Massa has also spent time on Ferrari's racing simulator

Ferrari just announced that injured driver Felipe Massa could be back in the saddle as early as Monday. Massa hasn't been in an F1 car since July's Hungarian Grand Prix, when a spring from another car flew up and hit him above his eye, fracturing his skull.

The first time he has even been back on track was last week when he took the wheel of a kart. Because of testing bans in place this season in F1, Massa can't drive the current car he was running until Hungary. As he gets back up to speed, the FIA has granted him permission to drive a 2007-spec car fitted with GP2 tires.

Massa has also spent time on Ferrari's racing simulator. Word has it he's already mastered Barcelona and is working hard at beating the Interlagos circuit now. Before taking the wheel of the 2007 car, he still needs to pass an examination, but once he's cleared, he could be on track in Italy by Monday. This will be testing only as the driver isn't expected to compete for Ferrari any more this season.

Range Rover Evoque caught prepping for show

When Land Rover officially revealed the Range Rover Evoque they didn't include a single shot of the five-door baby crossover utility. Thankfully, someone with early access to the upcoming Paris Motor Show floor decided that was some kind of crime, and so they took shots of the more family-minded Evoque occupying the Land Rover stand. The secret snapper also got images of the cabin, and we think it's beautiful distillation of the Range Rover Sport's interior language. We can't wait to see it ourselves next week.

For now, have a look at the link below for more shots of the Evoque five-door, and be sure to hit the jump for a video of the two-door.

UPDATE: Range Rover has written to say that this is a five-door prototype of the Evoque shown to dealers at a pre-show event for dealers in Paris. It will not be appearing at the show, only the two-door.

Bosal Muffler Single inlet and dual outlet configuration; 53 in. L x 7 in. W x 11 in

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BOSAL REAR MUFFLER, ALUMINIZED STEEL, NATURAL FINISH, SOLD INDIVIDUALLY -- Single inlet and dual outlet configuration; 53 in. L x 7 in. W x 11 in. H; Oval casing; Standard direct fit OE replacement; Made to fit vehicle-specific requirements for backpressure, emissions, sound levels, and sensors; Precision-manufactured to high tolerances for long life; Easy installation.

GM sued for unauthorized use of Einstein

If Albert Einstein were alive today, he'd be very old and quite wealthy. In fact, the world famous scientist still banks about $10 million per year solely from corporations purchasing one-time rights to his likeness. Einstein has been dead since 1955, but an institution is still collecting money on his behalf, and there is a rather substantial price to pay to use his likeness. Just ask General Motors.

The Detroit News reports that The General is being sued by The Hebrew University of Jerusalem for $75,000 over a fall, 2009 print ad that contained Einstein's likeness without the school's blessing. The ad, which appeared in the September issue of People Magazine, features Einstein's head Photoshopped onto the body of a young, muscular guy with the tagline "Ideas are sexy, too."

But while the Hebrew University feels it has an open-and-shut case, GM claims that it purchased the rights to Einstein's image from a reputable firm. GM spokesperson Ryndee Carney told the DetNews that the company guarantees that clients have rights to use the images selected.

First Photos of C3 Picasso-Based Crossover

Citroën's Brazilian arm has released the first official photos of a new model called the AirCross, essentially a crossover version of the C3 Picasso MPV with a jacked up suspension and a body kit around the bottom of the body to give it a more rugged, off-road look.

Styling tweaks include the relocation of the spare tire to the rear hatch, newly designed front and rear bumpers, a new grille up front, wheel arch extensions, roof rails, faux aluminum trim and larger alloy wheels.

Details remain scarce for now, but it is believed that the AirCross will be offered as a two-wheel drive model only sharing the same engines and transmission options with the standard C3 Picasso.

the Tokyo Auto Salon 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

There have been countless efforts to replicate the 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Eleanor from the 2000 blockbuster movie "Gone in 60 Seconds" with Nicolas Cage. We've seen Eleanor replicas based on everything ranging from a Toyota MR2 to even -the most ridiculous of all- a Smart Fortwo.

At this year's edition of the Tokyo Auto Salon, the students from Saitama University's automotive course presented their take on the Eleanor Shelby GT500 using a fourth generation (1993-2002) Toyota Supra sports coupe as a base.

The replica, which is called "Moto Supra", maintains the Supra's six-cylinder powerhouse, though it's not clear if the students performed any upgrades on the sport coupe's hardware. More photos after the jump.

Photos by Phil Alex with the help of friends Mike and Aaron

LEDs to provide better visibility at night while also providing a distinctly BMW look

With every new model launched or redesigned, comes another photos comparison. the week revolves around the 2011 BMW 3 Series Coupe and Convertible LCI that was unveiled yesterday and which will go on sales this Spring.

Judging by the photos and information released, the general consensus is that BMW is looking to align some of its models to the current design language, and features like “angel eyes” are starting to become standard across the line-up. LED taillights are also becoming the norm at BMW and the new 3 Series LCI comes to emphasize that.

Exterior:

Regarding the exterior of the car – BMW, like they did with the pre-LCI E92, have managed to make the E92 continue to look much more expensive than it actually is. The facelifted E92 continues to give a strong balance between prestige and performance purely in appearance alone.

Additionally, at front and rear, while the revisions appear minimal, the proof is in the details. At the business end of the 3 Series Coupe, the head lamps have grown slightly with added contours to the bottom line of the head lamp assembly. A thin “eyebrow” can now be found running along the top of each assembly which is lit by LEDs – a design cue taken straight from the E90 LCI, F01 7 Series and F10 5 Series.

Dropping just below the head lamps, the lower bumper is the most heavily modified part of the E92 LCI, losing the struts that flowed with the cut lines of the nose of the car. In its place, BMW have added a slim cut straight across the center of the lower grill, only being broken up by the area just below the larger, wider double kidney grill. Overall, the appearance of the E92 LCI now looks more succinct with the rest of the now more modern BMW line-up.

Moving to the rear of the car, the lower portion of the bumper receives a larger, purposeful crease along the valence just above the exhaust. The L-shaped tail lamps also receive a mild facelift with a more opaque cover to the LEDs when compared to the pre-LCI E92.

Additionally, the pattern of the rear lamp LEDs has two stacked sets of LEDs to provide better visibility at night while also providing a distinctly BMW look. By comparison, the LCI E92 now looks much brighter and contoured over its predecessor.

The side design goes through some changes as well, the E92 LCI features longer overhangs and subtle changes to the side skirts, giving the facelift an overall more aggressive, masculine look.



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The question of whether or not General Motors will bring its diminutive Chevrolet Spark

2010 Chevrolet Beat for India - Click above to enlarge

The question of whether or not General Motors will bring its diminutive Chevrolet Spark to the United States still doesn't have a definitive answer. Thanks to a GM of India press release, however, we now know that the little urban runabout will be coming to North America, although that geography obviously also includes Mexico and Canada.

In the past, GM spokespeople have suggested that it might be possible for the Spark (A.K.A. "Beat," or that unbearably irritating robot from Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen) to be imported Stateside and that the automaker had kept U.S. regulations in mind when designing the car. Regardless, with gas as cheap as it currently is and a new Aveo just around the corner, we're certainly not holding our breath for a U.S. launch any time soon, and we feel that seeing the Beat in Mexican and/or Canadian showrooms is more likely.

That said, feel free to hit the jump to read GM of India's press release on the introduction of the Beat, which made its production-ready debut earlier in the week in New Delhi.

[Source: General Motors]

Show full PR text

GM India Launches much awaited Chevrolet Beat

Sexy, Smart & Tough - New Global mini car to be key pillar of Chevrolet's growth strategy in India

New Delhi: GM India today launched the much awaited Chevrolet Beat, the next offering from the 300 series after the Cruze, at a ceremony presided over by its President & Managing Director, Mr. Karl Slym. Based on GM's global mini-vehicle architecture, the experts took 27 months to develop the Beat. Chevrolet Beat will be launched in over 150 markets around the world including those in Europe, other parts of Asia and North America in the coming days.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Slym said "with its best-in-segment design, performance and safety, the Beat is destined to become an industry benchmark and a winner among consumers in India. Aimed at meeting the highest quality and performance standards in the most sophisticated markets in a competitive environment, the global vehicle was put through over 1 million kilometers of intensive durability tests in extreme weather conditions and crash tests both in India and abroad. It has high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel over key areas of the body to ensure segment-leading occupant protection. And with a revolutionary design, advanced technology, unique features and benchmark safety, the Beat offers much more than an ordinary mini, Mr. Slym added.

The Beat comes in three trim levels of 1.2, 1.2LS and 1.2LT. In addition, an Option pack is available on the LT variant which consists of ABS, Alloy wheels, Dual Airbags and Seatbelts with Load limiters.

Sexy Beat:

Segment-Leading Size and a Dynamic Exterior

The Beat is a car that is ideal for those with a modern lifestyle. With the styling of a sporty hatchback, it showcases the new direction of Chevrolet design and a new trend in the design of mini-cars. The clear goal from the very beginning was to create a revolution in size and design despite the restrictions of the mini segment. The vehicle is destined to make a statement with an innovative design that would go far beyond a typical mini-vehicle and set new standards for the segment.

The Beat's roomy proportions and dynamic styling are courtesy of its segment-leading length of 3,595 mm, height of 1,520 mm, wheelbase of 2,375 mm, and width of 1,595 mm combined with its "body-in/wheels-out" stance. Dramatically sized headlamps that literally stretch from the front fascia to the back of the hood, with clear polycarbonate lenses and chrome-coated bezels, resemble diamonds, adding an upscale appearance and glamour.

A window line that is slanted dynamically upward, an arching roofline and sharp sidelines bring a sporty yet edgy look, a rarity in the segment. Secret vertical rear door handles located in the C-pillar are another unusual feature in this car. They give the Beat a unique, sporty three-door coupe appearance without sacrificing five-door utility.

A first-in-segment offering of an integrated rear spoiler as standard equipment essentially extends the rear roofline, for enhanced aerodynamic performance and provides a stable stance in high-speed driving as well as increased fuel efficiency. Round tail-lamps with clear polycarbonate lenses add to the Beat's strong rear impression.

A chrome-coated radiator grille and fog lamps, outside mirrors with two-tone color, and a refined-looking roof rail are other design cues that transport the Beat's styling beyond that of a conventional mini.

Beat buyers have a larger palette of exterior colours to choose from. They may select one of the seven colours - Olympic White, Linen Beige, Caviar Black, Misty Lake, Moroccan Blue, Green Cocktail and Super Red.

Unique Interior Defined By Fun, Fashion and Functionality

The design revolution continues inside the Beat. While pursuing a harmonious theme with the dynamic exterior, the interior is more about functionality. With its wider track and longer wheelbase, the Beat provides best-in-segment front legroom, rear legroom, front headroom and rear hip-room, resulting in generous space and comfortable accommodation for five adults.

The flowing interior weaves together the instrument panel, front seats and door trims, creating an environment that is harmonious, uninterrupted and inviting to the senses.

The most striking design element in the interior is a Steering Column mounted motorcycle-inspired dynamic meter cluster which is also a first-in-segment and combines analog and digital systems, contributing fun and unique styling as well as enhanced visibility and convenience. Adding to the refined look is an integrated center stack design that eliminates the traditional "picture framing" layout and results in a contemporary stylish relationship. LED-lit ice blue illumination which is a signature Chevrolet adds to the urban, edgy styling.

Pattern-printed semi-bucket seats provide a stable feeling when cornering. With high-quality materials and exceptional craftsmanship, they also enhance the luxurious interior atmosphere.

SMART Beat

Segment leading fuel efficiency with high power output engine

Newly developed for the next-generation global mini, the S-TEC II engine – a 4-cylinder, 16-valve 1199cc DOHC engine delivers a best in class mileage of 18.6 kmpl. The Beat is Smart because it does no compromise on performance as it delivers an excellent peak power of 80.5ps. The S-TEC II engine includes a series of advanced features that enhance performance. The first-in-segment application of the PDA (Port De-Activation) system ensures high exhaust gas recirculation, resulting in combustion stability at low speeds and optimal performance at high speeds together with improved fuel efficiency. In addition, the PDA system contributes to a reduction in emissions, making the Beat a truly eco-friendly vehicle.

Another first-in-segment application is an automatic temperature controller inside the engine, which helps improve fuel efficiency by reducing unnecessary heat loss. A dome-type long-skirt cylinder block narrows the space between intake valves while the application of four resonators reduces engine noise. Mated with the efficient S-TEC-II engine is a 5-speed manual transmission tuned to GM's global standards that provides enhanced shifts for an outstanding ride.

Segment first & Premium Features Go "Beyond Mini"

The Beat features an array of premium comfort and convenience amenities that one would expect in more expensive vehicles, including:

* l Automatic Climate Control
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* Integrated Center Stack Audio with USB and Aux-in Port
* Tilt steering
* Steering Column mounted LED back-lit speedometer & LCD digital tachometer
* 60:40 Split folding seats
* Tubeless Tyres
* Satin Silver Roof rails

TOUGH Beat

Solid Structure and Advanced Chassis Ensure Pleasurable Ride and Handling

The ride and handling of the Beat also set it apart from any other vehicle in its segment. Adopting the body-frame integral (BFI) system, the upper body structure and frame are engineered as a single unit, resulting in better feel of the road along with a heightened sense of firmness and stability, and enhanced connectivity between the driver and vehicle. A McPherson strut front suspension combined with a four-point mounted long engine cradle and a width power reduction spring enhances the solidity of the entire chassis, for improved crash safety and driving performance. A rear compound crank torsion beam incorporates a tubular V-beam for more effective tuning and dynamic performance.

A first-in-segment triple acoustic absorbent structure and special underbody structure prevent noise inflow from outside for optimal quietness. Wind noise is minimized through the Beat's aerodynamic body line and detailed door sealing structure.

Class-Transcending Use of High-Strength Steel

A host of structural enhancements combined with a full offering of active and passive safety systems make the Beat a segment leader in its class.

Its body is the stiffest and toughest in the mini segment; 66.5 percent of its body is constructed of high-strength steel and over 16 percent is made of ultra-high-strength steel. This ensures the highest level of protection in the segment. The solid structure played a key role in securing EuroNCAP rating in crash tests.

In addition, ultra-high-strength steel applied to the side structure minimizes the chance of the structure deforming in the event of a crash. High-strength steel is also used in the rear body structure to protect passengers as well as the fuel tank, minimizing the possibility of fuel leakage during a collision. The four-point mounted long engine cradle protects passengers in the event of a head-on collision by optimally dispersing crash loads. The collapsible steering column helps protect driver's chest in frontal collisions

The use of H-spider type ultra-high-strength steel bars in the underbody prevents severe deformation caused by a side crash. The tailor-welded blanking method used in the B-pillar ensures maximum protection of passengers' upper bodies. High-strength steel in the rear and rear crash boxes minimize the impact of whiplash.

The roof is especially stiff, for maximum rollover protection. The Beat has been developed to withstand up to four times its weight – which goes far beyond industry regulations. Safety features include driver and front passenger air bags a 4-channel/4-sensor EBD-ABS system and seatbelt with load limiter.

The Beat comes with a high localization content and the parts have been very competitively priced in line with Chevrolet's philosophy to provide low cost of ownership experience to the owners. It also comes with a segment best warranty of 3 years or 100,000 kms (whichever is earlier).

finally a car Top Gear's James May can drive to the symphony

Dacia Logan, Logan MCV and Sandero Black Line – Click above for high-res image gallery

These days it seems like every color is being claimed for one cause or another. Medical research has laid claim to a few (pink and yellow come to mind), but so has the automotive industry: red for performance, green for hybrids, blue for clean diesels... Mercedes adopted black as the label for its most extreme AMG models, but now the shade is being used for something decidedly more low-rent: Renault's budget brand and Romanian subsidiary, Dacia.

Available on the Logan, Logan MCV and Sandero – though not, apparently, on the Logan pick-up or the upcoming new Duster crossover – the Black Line adds a touch of class to the budget cars. The package, based on the Laureate trim level, adds such "special" touches as metallic paint, visible top-stitching on the black fabric upholstery, MP3-capable CD player and a leather-trimmed steering wheel. Nothing ground-breaking here, and it's not going to outshine an SL63 by any means, but finally a car Top Gear's James May can drive to the symphony. Details in the press release after the jump and photos in the gallery below.

Dacia Black Line

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Audi Standardizes HD Radio™ Technology in Three Models

Audi has announced that HD Radio Technology will be standard on its 2011 model year A6, A8 and Q7 vehicles.The 2011 Audi A4, A5 and Q5 models, sold at lower price points, will also offer the technology, but with the optional navigation radio.

"We are dedicated to providing our customers with the best entertainment options to enhance their Audi driving experience," said Filip Brabec, General Manager, Product Planning at Audi of America. "These upcoming 2011 models will be fully equipped with the best in digital broadcast engineering, making it a clear choice to offer HD Radio Technology to our customers."

Compared to static-laden traditional AM/FM radio, HD Radio offers CD-quality sound on FM channels, and FM-stereo quality sound on AM channels. According to iBiquity Digital Corporation, the company holding the trademark for HD Radio, there are more than 2,000 HD Radio stations and more than 1,100 HD2/HD3 channels (FM multicast) currently on the air. As of today, HD radio is available to 85 percent of Americans. It's interesting to note that when HD Radio debuted, "HD" was the abbreviation for "Hybrid Digital," but that was later dropped. Today, "HD" is simply part of the brand name - contrary to popular belief, it doesn't stand for "high-definition." Audi's press release is pasted after the jump.

[Source: Audi]

PRESS RELEASE

Audi Standardizes HD Radio™ Technology in Three Models

• HD Radio Technology will be standard on 2011 A6, A8 and Q7 models
• Available on the optional navigation radio for 2011 A4, A5, and Q5 models
• All cars will be available at U.S. Audi dealers by Fall 2010

HERNDON, Va., Jan 7, 2010 - Delivering the latest in digitally enhanced audio, extra programming and advanced data services, Audi of America today announced that it will offer HD Radio Technology as a standard feature on some of its 2011 models, including the A6, A8 and Q7. HD Radio Technology will also be available via the optional navigation radio in the 2011 A4, A5 and Q5 models. All models will be available at U.S. Audi dealerships by Fall 2010.

"We are dedicated to providing our customers with the best entertainment options to enhance their Audi driving experience," said Filip Brabec, General Manager, Product Planning at Audi of America. "These upcoming 2011 models will be fully equipped with the best in digital broadcast engineering, making it a clear choice to offer HD Radio Technology to our customers."

"As a leader in engineering, Audi provides its drivers with high-quality innovation that truly defines the luxury markets, and they continue to raise the bar with the inclusion of HD Radio Technology," said Jeff Jury, Chief Operating Officer of iBiquity Digital Corporation, the developer of digital HD Radio Technology for AM and FM audio and data broadcasting. "We are extremely pleased to be partnering with Audi and enabling their enthusiasts to enjoy the extra programming, crystal-clear sound, and advanced data services to enhance the driving experience."

HD Radio Technology is available to 85 percent of Americans with more than 2,000 HD Radio stations on the air, and 1,100+ new HD2/HD3 Channels (FM multicast). The digital platform offers fresh, creative programming on HD2/HD3 Channels, with CD-quality sound on FM and FM-stereo quality sound on AM.

More information on HD Radio broadcast stations currently on air nationwide can be found at http://www.hdradio.com.

Filed under: Technology, Audi

Tags: Audi, Audi HD Radio, Audi HD2, Audi HD3, AudiHd2, AudiHd3, AudiHdRadio, Free HD Radio, FreeHdRadio, HD Radio, HD Radio A4, HD Radio A5, HD Radio A6, HD Radio A8, HD Radio Q5, HD Radio Q7, HdRadio, HdRadioA4, HdRadioA5, HdRadioA6, HdRadioA8, HdRadioQ5, HdRadioQ7, iBiquity, No charge HD Radio, NoChargeHdRadio

2010 Year of the Coupe World exclusive: If you thought 2009 was an eventful time for British manufacturers, just wait until you see what they have i

World exclusive: If you thought 2009 was an eventful time for British manufacturers, just wait until you see what they have in store for 2010! Auto Express is kicking off the New Year by gathering together a home-grown crop of the coolest coupés and supercars around. And at the very top of this list is the sleekest big cat to emerge since the legendary XJS…

Jaguar XJ - See it: 2010
The dust has barely settled on the unveiling of Jaguar’s flagship XJ saloon. However, design director Ian Callum has already let slip that a two-door XJ Coupé has been drawn up by his team. Our exclusive renderings show for the first time how such a car might look.

Enthusiasts will recall the ultra-rare XJC, made from 1975 to 1978. This came with a 4.2-litre straight-six or a 5.3 V12, and was based on the Series II Jaguar XJ – and only 8,378 were built. The new car will revive the XJC’s badge and a selection of its distinctive design cues.

More steeply raked front and rear windscreens give a classic coupé profile, while a full-length sunroof adds to the flowing lines. Body-coloured B-pillars help to visually elongate the XJ’s already
substantial footprint on the road.

The car is likely to be offered with supercharged and naturally aspirated versions of Jaguar’s 5.0-litre V8, as well as the 3.0 V6 diesel producing 600Nm of torque. It will go head-to-head with Mercedes’ two-door CL-Class replacement – to be renamed the S-Class Coupé – when it goes on sale in 2011.

Lotus Esprit - See it: 2010
even though the firm’s new Evora has won plaudits for its laser-like handling and refined nature, bosses aren’t resting on their laurels. Lotus is developing a successor to the mighty Esprit – the mid-engined flagship sold between 1976 and 2004. And with a choice of six, eight and 10-cylinder engines, the model has the Ferrari 458 and Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 firmly in its sights.

The wedge-like styling is clearly inspired by the shovel-nosed original, but the similarities end there. Lotus plans to exploit its close links with Toyota and make use of three of the firm’s most powerful engines. Entry-level cars will have a 300bhp version of the Evora’s 3.5-litre V6. Meanwhile, V8 fans can opt for the 414bhp 5.0-litre from the Lexus IS F. The range-topper will use the 550bhp 4.8-litre V10 from Lexus’ LFA.

A longer and wider version of the Evora’s platform should preserve Lotus’ trademark agility and driveability. But with the V10 version scorching from 0-60mph in less than four seconds and on to more than 200mph, the new Esprit promises to be like nothing seen before from the brand when sales start in 2011.

MINI Coupé JCW - See it: 2010
The MINI plant in Oxford is already one of the success stories of the UK auto industry, churning out more than 1.4 million new cars since 2001. And with the introduction of a new Coupé in 2011, its workforce
is preparing to be busier than ever.

The MINI Coupé Concept wowed visitors to last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show with its dramatic floating roof, and the maker soon confirmed production of the two-seater will begin this October.

Its most potent format will be the John Cooper Works variant shown in our image above. Yet while the bonnet stripes and ground-hugging bodykit could have been predicted, there’s a surprise package under the bonnet.

Our sources say MINI might rekindle its engine supply partnership with Peugeot. And as the British firm jointly developed the new range of EcoBoost units with Ford, these powerplants could find their way into the MINI Coupé, too.

Expect a 1.6-litre turbo with around 250bhp to make the Coupé JCW the fastest MINI to date – but with lower emissions than any JCW before it. For fans of the Coupé, there’s even more good news on the horizon.

A Roadster is also on the way, with a production-ready version slated to appear in 2011. And let’s not forget the firm’s first 4x4, the Crossman, is due in showrooms in September, too.

Fenix - On sale: 2011
Like a ‘Fenix’ from the ashes, Lee Noble has left the company bearing his name to rise again at the helm of Fenix Automotive – and this is the first official picture of the firm’s new model.

The as-yet-unnamed supercar features a basic design that is, ironically, reminiscent of the Noble M600. However, where that styling is relatively simple, the Fenix gets aggressive and angular lines, similar to those of the fighter jet-inspired Lamborghini Reventón.

Under the bonnet is a choice of two Corvette engines, giving 480bhp and 638bhp. The latter is lifted from the supercharged ZR1, and is said to propel the Fenix from 0-100mph in just under seven seconds.

Noble M600 - On sale: 2010
although founder Lee Noble has moved on to an exciting new project (see above), the Brit maker’s latest model is aiming for the supercar elite.

Featuring a Volvo-sourced 4.4-litre V8 boosted by two turbos, the M600 produces a huge 650bhp. That’s enough for 0-60mph in three seconds and 225mph – leaving the Ferrari 458 trailing. Yet a £200,000 price could make stealing loyal customers from the Italian legend trickier than Noble thinks.

Jaguar C-type - On sale: 2012
It’s the big cat’s small car! In the new C-Type, Jaguar is looking to reinvent an old name to take the fight to German rivals such as the Audi TT, Mercedes SLK and Porsche Cayman. As with the XK, the new C-Type’s chassis will be a lightweight yet incredibly strong and stiff aluminium monocoque, which should make the model as nimble as its competitors. Power will come from the latest 380bhp 5.0-litre V8. A supercharged 500bhp R model is also likely to be built.

McLaren MP4-12C - On sale: 2011
While its F1 predecessor was the ultimate supercar, McLaren’s latest model is described as “the most efficient, driveable, high-performance sports car in the world”. With a 600bhp twin-turbo 3.8-litre V8 and carbon fibre monocoque, the MP4-12C should prove itself a worthy competitor to Ferrari’s upcoming 458 Italia. At £150,000, it’s £10,000 cheaper, too. Log on to www.autoexpress.co.uk to see US chat show host Jay Leno taking a ride.

Climax sport racer - On sale: 2010
Coventry-based Climax Cars has confirmed its stunning two-seater Ariel Atom rival, the Sports Racer, for 2010. It will have a 345bhp 4.6-litre V8, plus a hand-crafted aluminium body. There’s even a 450bhp supercharged version. Prices start from £92,000 – and with only 200 set to be built, exclusivity is guaranteed.

Aston Martin One-77 - On sale: 2010
The One-77 really is the Best of British; it’s the fastest, most desirable Aston ever, and with a limited run of only 77, it looks set to take a place in the supercar hall of fame. The intricately detailed body – which has already won an Auto Express design award – hides a 7.3-litre V12 that produces 690bhp. Weighing only 1,500kg, the One-77 will sprint from 0-62mph in around 3.5 seconds, and in a recent high-speed run it was clocked at more than 220mph. Owning Britain’s best comes at a price, though: the newest Aston sells for £1.2million.

Arash AF-10 - On sale: 2010
Britain’s answer to the Ferrari Enzo gives a choice of power outputs. A 550bhp version of the AF-10, costing £320,000, will be joined in 2011 by an 800bhp supercharged variant, at £450,000. Arash is also said to be considering a £1.6m Bugatti beater with 1,200bhp.

Kia and Microsoft's UVO

Kia's UVO system hands-on – Click above to watch video after the jump

Tucked in between Google's hot new smartphone and a variety of other computer peripheral equipment at this year's CES show is a crossover. Not the jacked-up, tricked-out, neon-dragging customized type that we typically see around the Consumer Electronics Show, but a bone-stock, 2011 Kia Sorento. Well, stock except for one option: UVO.

We recently got a chance to try out the newly-announced system in the plastic, and while impressive in its own right, just hours after sitting down with Ford to check out the latest Sync and MyFord Touch, it's somewhat less than stunning. But, ignoring that for now, Kia's offering looks good and still ahead of the rest of the curve. It's functionally comparable to early Sync, enabling easy access to media on 1GB of internal storage, on a USB-connected drive or even on a CD. You can rip from CD straight to internal memory or to a thumb drive, an interesting feature we're not sure is particularly useful. The touchscreen display is a nice improvement over Ford's two-line Sync readout, but remember that if you get this system, you'll have to opt out of in-dash GPS. Good thing you splurged and got that Droid, right? Check out some screens in the gallery below, and there's a quick video demo after the break.

Kia and Microsoft's UVO

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new car sales are down in Japan

Like everywhere else on the planet, new car sales are down in Japan (17 percent versus 2008 levels, to be exact). And, like a number of other countries, Japan has decided to spur automobile sales by creating a cash-for-clunkers-style program at a cost of $3.7 billion. Unlike similar programs from other countries, including the one that ended late last year in the U.S., Japan has drafted a set of rules that strongly favors its own automakers – in effect precluding American cars from qualifying for sales incentives of up to $2,830 per vehicle. Eighty-seven percent of all Japan's domestic models qualify.

By way of comparison, there were multiple C4C bills considered by U.S. policymakers, and the program that eventually went into effect allowed any and all sufficiently fuel efficient vehicles to qualify for its incentives, regardless of their country of origin. After it was all said and done, 319,300 out of a total of 677,000 (just about half) of all C4C sales were Japanese cars.

According to the Detroit News, a number of American lawmakers, including Rep. Betty Sutton, D-Ohio, have called Japan's program "discriminatory and fundamentally unfair... unacceptable and outrageous." To highlight her displeasure over Japan's insular auto market – to wit, imports make up less than five percent of all new car sales in Japan – Sutton has introduced a bill this week urging President Obama to attempt to force Japan into including American automobiles in its C4C program. What are the chances of it passing? Something about snowballs comes to mind...

V10 such as LF-A’s 4.8 liter! It looks good as a hybrid

In these very last days of 2009, some Japanese magazines are spreading the rumor that Lexus is working on a very hot version of the GS luxury saloon, allegedly called GS-F, which will get the firm’s V10 engine used in the LF-A supercar, to rival BMW M5. Now apparently Lexus has responded to this by tweeting! They say that the V10 is bespoke to the LF-A and won’t be used in any other car. They didn’t comment on the existence of GS-F though.

So as it’s usually the case, there must be a GS-F in the works but it certainly won’t be getting the V10. This makes more sense actually, because as we’ve reported earlier, BMW will replace theV10 engine of the M5 with a twin-turbo V8 in the upcoming model. Mercedes too has plans to drop the big and thirsty V8s in favor of more efficient turbo engines, so even if Lexus is to rival the M5 or E63, they would come up with something in the same league.

And as a side note, the GS’s face is too dull for a weapons-grade V10 such as LF-A’s 4.8 liter! It looks good as a hybrid, but as a performance saloon?! The M5 will eat it for breakfast!

The tuner has also considered the S5’s handling and enhanced

Konigseder’s new kit for Audi S5 Coupe proves that you can improve on perfection! The S5’s discrete and classy body is now sporty and aggressive as well thanks to the tuner’s modified new bumper,sport wheels and new exhaust with those magnificent tailpipes. The only criticism is the side skirts which are unnecessarily big!

Audi S5 has also received a new set of exhaust system from Konigseder which improves its V8 rumble (well if you buy the V8 model! which you should). And there a pair of twin tailpipes which again, are quite big, but kinda cool.

The tuner has also considered the S5’s handling and enhanced it by using new suspension components which lower the ride height. Alternatively you can choose the H&R adjustable system. That is capable of lowering the car for 60mm!

The car also comes with Brembo braking package with bid discs and 6-piston calipers. These discs are nicely placed inside the new 20-inch Competec C01 wheels. These 10-spoke rims come in a matte black finish and are wrapped in 245/30 tires at front 285/25 for the rear.