“Since the original 1970 Z® was first introduced our goal has always been to keep the design moving forward. The changes for 2013, though subtle, go a long way in enhancing its dynamic appearance inside and out,” said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc.

The updates for the 2013 model year include:

• Refreshed front fascia with vertical LED daytime running lights
• Red reflector added to rear fascia (replaces previous black center cover)
• Revised 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels (Sport Package equipped models)
• New 18-inch wheels for 370Z Coupe
• Red-finished brake calipers (Sport Package equipped models)
• Dark-finish fuel gauge trim
• Euro-tuned shock absorbers (Sport Package equipped models)
• And two new exterior colors – Magma Red and Midnight Blue

For 2013, the Nissan 370Z will be available again in Coupe, Roadster and NISMO Z trim levels.

Power for the 2013 Nissan 370Z Coupe and Roadster still comes from a 3.7 liter V6 making 332-hp mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed automatic. The 2013 Nissan NISMO 370Z gets an upgraded 3.7 liter DOHC V6 engine matched to a H-configured exhaust system, muffler tuning and an upgraded ECM – helping it pump out 350-hp and 276 lb-ft of torque. The NISMO is only available with a 6-speed manual.

Prices will be announced closer to June.

- By: Omar Rana

To further solidify the speculation, Matthias Mueller of Porsche spoke about the model right after the auto show, saying that the brand would need a “new generation” of clientele to support the off-beat model, and that the platform the model used would be implemented elsewhere amongst the VW Group’s brands.

Recently, Uli Hackenberg, head of engineering at Volkswagen, confirmed just the opposite, revealing that the Bluesport is still in the works. Hackenburg foresees a shift in the market for sportscars, and despite dealers not being onboard due to less-then-desirable sales forecasts, he still sees drastic change coming. He predicts that while there are no entry-level models available, new models coming out like the Subaru BRZ and the Toyota GT 86, the segment will flourish.

In addition, he sees a spot for European cars in the U.S. market, and Volkswagen is requesting that its dealers reevaluate forecasts. If the model were greenlit, it would come with a pricetag over $25,000.

-  By: Alexandra Koken

Source: EVO

One of the outstanding visual features of the model is that it comes with a Power Retractable Hard Top coated in black paint, regardless of body color. This is a first for paint schemes in the U.S. Two new body-paint colors are also being released for the limited-edition, along with a set of gunmetal alloy wheels sized at 17-inches, black accents on the exterior and interior, and black heated leather seats.

Check out more news on the Mazda MX-5 Miata.

Both six-speed Sport automatic with paddle shifters, and six-speed manual with short-throw shifter transmissions are available. Standard features for the Special Edition MX-5 include the Premium and Suspension packages, which come with Bilstein shocks, a sport-tuned suspension, Bluetooth, and Sirus Radio.

By: Alexandra Koken

Mercedes-Benz’s AMG arm is well known for debuting some exciting vehicles at the New York Auto Show. At the 2011 New York Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz took the wraps off of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG and this year, according to our sources, the Stuttgart automaker will bring us the SL63 AMG.

Power for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG will come from a 5.5 liter twin-turbo V8 engine making 540-hp. The engine will be mated to a AMG Speedshift Plus 7-speed Multi-Clutch automatic and will help send power to the rear wheels.

Click here for our original post on the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL.

What we’re really waiting for is a brutal Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series.

We’ll have more details for you from the 2012 New York Auto Show in April. Stay tuned.

Refresher: The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 will be available in the United States starting this spring. Power comes from a 4.6 liter V8 engine producing 429-hp with a maximum torque of 516 lb-ft. Mated to a 7-Speed Driver-Adaptive automatic transmission, it will go from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds.

- By: Omar Rana

Last September, famous actor John Travolta’s classic W113 Mercedes-Benz 280SL was stolen while he was visiting a Jaguar dealership in Los Angeles. After cameras were found to have captured Travolta’s Benz leaving the Jaguar dealership, law enforcement was able to track the car and two arrests were made.

“Through the collaborative efforts of investigators … two individuals were identified as suspects relating to the theft of Mr. Travolta’s Mercedes, and were arrested by investigators from the task force,” said Sergeant Richard Lewis of the Santa Monica police department.

Travolta received his Mercedes back, but unfortunately, it was returned in pieces. Apparently, there’s a major investigation for a massive car theft ring that’s been occurring throughout the Los Angeles area.

So if you own a classic or vintage car that’s worth some dough and live in the Los Angeles area, be sure to take some extra security measures as Lewis added the investigation is still pending.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: Reuters

According to Cadillac insiders that spoke with Inside Line at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show earlier this month, Cadillac is considering a small two-seat roadster that will compete with the likes of the BMW Z4 and Mercedes-Benz SLK.

Click here for our original post on the Cadillac ATS.

Sources say that the model will used the same rear-wheel-drive platform as the new 2013 Cadillac ATS and will feature many of the same powertrain configurations.

No details on when the Caddy roadster will be released.

Refresher: The 2013 Cadillac ATS sedan will go on sale later this year and will come with a choice of three engine units. The based model will carry a 2.0 liter 4-cylinder turbo engine making 270-hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. A 2.5 liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder will also be available, making 200-hp and 188 lb-ft of torque. The top-of-the-line Cadillac ATS will be powered by a 3.6 liter V6 making 318-hp and 267 lb-ft of torque. Prices will be announced closer to launch.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Inside Line

To some it may not be a shock, but to a concerned mass of Miata/ MX-5 fans, the following is good news: the next MX-5 will be rear drive, weigh under 1,000 kg and power will remain similar. So theoretically, the new car will drive differently, but performance will be similar if not slightly better thanks to the newer and lighter (by 15% over the current lightest model) aluminum spaceframe chassis.

The next engines most likely will be lighter and naturally aspirated, once again, not much of a departure from the original, but the point is to shed weight instead of crank out more power. The entry level SkyActiv 130 bhp will be all of 1.5 liters; the current entry level engine is a 1.8 with the larger option being a two liter. The more powerful engine will probably also be a 1.5, but will be turbocharged.

For those who cannot wait to see a new MX-5, a freshened version will appear at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

- By: Sawyer Sutton

Source: AutoCar

Mercedes-Benz earlier today revealed to the world one of their most iconic cars at the 2012 North American International Auto Show: the new 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL drop-top.

Overall, the Mercedes-Benz SL is now lighter, faster and better looking than the outgoing model and also features some new technology including the FrontBass feature – which turns the SL into a concert hall with the top up or down.

Prices for the model will be announced closer to launch.

All Photos Copyright © Omar Rana - egmCarTech.

- By: Omar Rana

David Dopp is the lucky winner of a Maverick Convenience Store contest called “Joe Schmo to Lambo” where the grand prize was a lime green convertible Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster. Unfortunately, Dopp’s luck changed in just six short hours after receiving his prize, when he crashed the 640hp supercar spinning out on black ice.

Dopp now says he plans to sell the $380,000 ride, noting “I have bills more important than a Lamborghini. I’ve got a family to support.” The 34-year old is a father of 6 and a truck driver for Frito-Lay, and doesn’t feel the Lambo fits into his buget with the taxes and $7,000 yearly insurance quote. “That’s why rich people own them. The poor people like me don’t.”

On a joy ride with friends and family, Dopp crashed the car at about 45mph, jumping a curb and going through a fence. The resulting damage “isn’t super bad”, and includes some dents and scratches to the front and rear ends, a punctured oil pan and a few wheel dents. The brand new owner got off with no ticket, and promises to exercise more caution while driving.

In addition to the Murcielago, Dopp also won $5,000 worth of driving lessons from Miller Motorsports Park, which could certainly be put to good use, now.

Check out a video after the jump.

By: Alexandra Koken

Source: MSNBC

The Lamborghini Aventador isn’t a stranger to performance figures. Powered by a 6.5L V12 engine making 690-hp and 509 lb-ft of torque, Lambo says that the Aventador will go from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds with a top speed of 217 mph.

Click here for more news on the Lamborghini Aventador.

Breaking the 200-mph mark is a feat in its own – however, a recent test run by Sport Auto found that the new Lambo can actually top 217 mph. By how much? By a whole 13 mph for a total of 230 mph.

Don’t believe us? Check out the video after the jump to see for yourself.

- By: Omar Rana

Word on the street is that Aston Martin will introduce a V12 Vantage Roadster at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in March.

Power for the Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster is expected to come from the same V12 in the coupe. The 6.0 liter V12 engine is good for 510-hp with a maximum torque of 420 lb-ft. That gives the coupe the ability to go from 0 to 62 mph in 4.2 seconds with a top speed of 190 mph. Of course, those figures are likely to change for the Roadster.

In other Aston news, CEO De. Ulrich Bez has apparently confirmed that the DBS replacement is in the works and could produce more than 600-hp.

Click here for more news on the Aston Martin V12 Vantage.

We’re glad to see that V8 and V12 engines are still breathing.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: GTSpirit

Some new photographs have recently turned up, this time without the disguise, leaked from what could very possibly be the actual 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL brochure. If they are the real deal, these photos show a model close in design to the SLK both inside and out, with some of its own differentiating details.

Tehcnical upgrades have been included for the 2013 SL, featuring its new engine lineup and new windshield cleaning technology, while some design notes have remained with elements like the retractable hard top.

As Mercedes has released, 89% the body is constructed of aluminum, making the SL 308 lbs. lighter than the 2012 version, although Benz kept steel in the A-pillars and opted for lighter magnesium at the rear.

Since photos are already out, Mercedes may give up more on the car before it’s scheduled release in January’s Detroit Motor Show.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Source: autoblog.nl

The Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 Roadster was already confirmed by the United States EPA department earlier this year when it showed up on its fuel-economy.gov website. It is now reported that the drop-top Aventador will debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in March 2012.

Power will come from the same 6.5L V12 engine from the Aventador Coupe. No word on whether the drop-top will be a soft-top or a hard-top convertible.

Click here for more news on the Lamborghini Aventador.

The Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster, the model that the Aventador replaces, has always been offered with a soft-top.

Refresher: The Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 will be powered by a 6.5L V12 engine making 690-hp and 509 lb-ft of torque. Mated to the company’s new ISR (Independent Shifting Rod) 7-speed transmission, 0 to 60 mph will come in 2.9 seconds with a top speed of 217 mph. The Aventador is an all-wheel-drive supercar courtesy of Lamborghini’s Haldex 4-wheel drive system.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: TeamSpeed

The vehicle features an open top, Kapsula technology, a compact frame, low center of gravity, and a wider wheel base in the front to provide good handling.

The Jo-Mojo’s exterior features coats of chameleon paint, and a retractable cover with flexible solar cells made by Sidrabe, which charges when it locks. Additional batteries are available as well for further traveling.

At 80-hp and 90 lb-ft of torque, the Jo-Mojo goes from 0 to 62 mph in 9.5 seconds and has a top speed of 125 mph.

The car is scheduled for release at Monaco’s Top Marques Auto Show.

Check out a video after the jump.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Both the Ducati Streetfighter 848 and Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG were featured, coated in “streetfighter yellow” paint, a color so special that it may be taken on by Mercedes as an option.

Inside the SLK55 AMG, the interior was given added visual enhancement to match the exterior. Contract stitching was added to the nappa leather on everything from the roll-over bars to the dash, shift knob, door panels, armrests, and the steering wheel. To top it off, AMG door sill panels come with LED technology to light up yellow.

No power mods have been made to the Ducati or the Benz, but both come standard with plenty. This is Benz’s fastest SLK AMG yet, with 422-hp and a 0-62mph time of 4.6 seconds, and the Ducati puts out 132hp and sits on a specially tuned traction control system.

This is a really simply done, strictly visual tune that ended up with a lot of impact as a result of that awesome paint color.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Rotary enthusiasts have surely been on the edge of their seats waiting for Mazda’s next move with the upcoming retirement of the RX-8. After a recent announcement at the 2012 Tokyo Motor Show, we’ve learned that there may still be a future for the alternative power.

The RX-8 will be getting a successor, which may be derived from the next generation MX-5, a confirmation made by Takashi Yamanouchi, Mazda’s president and CEO, but it may not be powered by a rotary. The brand feels that if they do release another model with rotary, improvements will need to be made first.

Yamanouchi says “We need a measure a plan to upgrade the [fuel] efficiency and torque [of the engine] otherwise we don’t see much progress [from the current rotary in the RX-8].”

As for the RX-8 successor, he adds “Production of the RX-8 does stop in 2012 but what comes after that I’m not in a position to say. But I have been saying everywhere that we will continue research on the rotary engine. We will not extinguish the flame of the rotary engine. That kind of product is iconic for our brand. So the current MX-5 or RX-8 we have decided in the future to maintain that type of [sports car] product. I can’t say, however, that they will be separate … they may be merged into one.[We] can’t rule out the possibility [of a rotary-powered MX-5].”

It was also mentioned that technology is in the works for a hydrogen-powered rotary, for an electric powered version.

Before the RX-8 is even retired, Mazda is already trying to keep its iconic rotary alive. At this point, it might be more surprising to learn that they were not releasing another model in the future powered by a rotary motor.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Source: CarAdvice (via WCF)

Performance packages are available for each variant, starting with the SLK 200 CGI, which kicks out 207-hp at 229 lb-ft of torque. The SLK 250 CGI is upgraded to 241-hp at 265 lb-ft of torque, while the SLK 350 is bumped up to 325-hp at 288 lb-ft of torque with a modified ECU.

Vath gives the SLK kit high-performance brakes, a stainless steel sports exhaust system, and a limited slip differential.

Click here for more news on the Mercedes-Benz SLK.

On the outside, the car was dropped all the way around, and a front spoiler, rear diffuser, and 20-inch alloy wheels were added.

Interior mods are just as subtle as the exterior, with aluminum pedals, carbon fiber accents, and velour floor mats. The speedometer was also adjusted to reflect the car’s new top speed of 205 mph, a nice touch.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Now though, Mercedes-Benz is reportedly hard at work to make the next generation SL-Class quite a bit lighter. And of course, being one of the most innovative brands in automotive history, the new SL is said to be packed with lots of new technology.

The current SL550 weighs in at a pretty hefty 4,233 lbs, probably because it’s carved out of a solid block of granite. And of course, it’s folding hard-top doesn’t make things easier. The next generation SL though is said to weigh about 275lbs less than the current model, which is slowly on its way out. This can be attributed to Mercedes’ extensive use of aluminum throughout the new SL’s chassis.

However, Mercedes also reported that the lighter weight doesn’t ruin the stiffness of the SL’s structure, but rather makes it stronger thanks to several new advanced bonding techniques and “bionic” elements inspired by structures found in nature. As a result, Mercedes says that torsional rigidty is improved by more the 20%.

As for some of the new kit, the new SL is said to be capable of holding its doors open at any position. Additionally, a new windshield wiper system that goes by an unnecessarily unusual name of Magic Vision Control will debut on the new SL. Apparently, this new Magic Vision Control monitors ambient temperatures, the SL’s speed and even the season of the year to calculate the optimal amount of washer fluid to be sprayed on the windscreen…mmm interesting.

The audio system is also said to be vastly improved, especially with the top down and the choices include two upgradable options: a 600-watt Harman Kardon Logic7 surround system or a new top-of-the-line 940-watt Bang & Olufsen system.

Additional details such as the powertrains have yet to be released, but we could expect this information to pop up as we get closer to the predicted launch date of the 2013 SL-Class.

- By: Chris Chin