The Nissan GT-R is one of the most acclaimed models on the market, offering great performance for a decent price. The 2012 Nissan GT-R will further improve the recipe by adding things like an upgraded chassis as well as other improvements, including a rear-wheel drive mode, at least according to new rumors.

First off, Nissan is looking to address some chassis issues, and will reinforce the current one by adding new stabilizers and reinforcements. The front suspension assembly will also see the addition of aluminum and carbon strut towers. The braking system will also be thoroughly upgraded, as many customers have complained about it.

Most importantly however is the fact that Nissan will include a rear-wheel drive mode, in addition to the standard, biased all-wheel drive. Before you dream of the hoonage that would imply, Nissan does advise customers to keep the GT-R in AWD while on regular roads.

Cosmetic improvements are also rumored. These include a redesigned front fascia, with LED daytime running lights. Aerodynamics are set to be improved, thanks a new rear diffuser, while weight will be shaved with a set of new wheels. New car colors are available, Aurora Flare Blue Pearl and Nebula Opal Black, while the wheels can also be decorated in either Hyper Blue Black and Hyper Titanium.

Expect price increases for the standard model, set to be called the Pure Edition, as well as for the Premium Edition. No word yet on when we will see the concrete announcement of the 2012 Nissan GT-R, but these details will keep us satisfied until then.

Source: GTRBlog via Autoblog and NAGTROC via Jalopnik

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2012 Nissan GT-R set to get big improvements, rear-wheel drive mode

We’ve been bombarded with Ferrari 458 Italia models catching fire all around the world in the past few weeks, so even the Italian company took notice of these incidents.

After seeing Ferrari 458 Italia models catching fire in Paris, in Switzerland and heck, even in China, Ferrari has come forward with an official statement, saying that it will investigate all of the cases. At this time though, it is treating all of them as separate accidents, and says that driver error might still be responsible for the blazing 458s.

"The company is currently investigating the particular incidents in which cars have apparently been involved in a vehicle fire, and it is currently treating these as separate incidents," revealed Ferrari. "Until these investigations are complete, Ferrari is unable to provide any further comment."

So, there you have it. Ferrari will start investigating the fire-prone 458 Italia models, but until then, remaining owners should stock on fire extinguishers just in case.

Source: Autocar

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Ferrari to investigate 458 Italia fires

The harsh Euro 5 emissions regulations have struck once more, as the Ford Focus ST hot hatch is set to be discontinued by Ford of Europe in the near future.

The model will join other powerful cars like the Mazda RX-8 or the Honda Civic Type R, as its turbocharged 2.5-liter engine can no longer meet the new emissions regulations currently being adopted in the Old Continent.

Fear not though, as Ford has confirmed that a new performance car will be revealed at the upcoming Paris Motor Show, and it’s a safe bet that it will be the ST version of the already unveiled 2012 Ford Focus. Most likely it will pack the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, already revealed for the 2011 Ford Explorer, capable of sending over 200 HP to the front wheels.

Stay tuned for more details on the next generation Ford Focus ST around the start of the Paris show in October.

Source: Autocar

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Current Ford Focus ST set to be axed, next generation model to debut in Paris

Traditional Mercedes-Benz tuning company Brabus has finally decided to reveal a thorough accessories package for the newest supercar from the German automaker, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.

The Brabus SLS AMG has received a brand new aerodynamic and lightweight body kit, custom engineered by Brabus in its own wind tunnel. Almost all of the add-ons were made from carbon fiber, including the revised front spoiler, the rear one, as well as the covers for the front air inlets. The rear fascia has been restyled, while a set of lightweight Brabus monoblock F Platinum wheels were added, measuring 20-inch in the front and 21-inch in the back.

A new smooth-ride suspension system has been added, which drops the ride height by 40 millimeters. On the inside, Brabus added an ergonomically shaped sports steering wheel, as well as anodized pedals and illuminated stainless steel scuff plates. Contrast red stitching has been added, and Alcantara is also present.

Check out the Brabus tuned Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG supercar in the photo gallery below.

Photo Gallery: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG by Brabus

Source: Automobiles Review via Automarket

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Brabus Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG revealed

The three large US carmakers know that offering a police car means not only good money but also guarantees increased popularity with the regular public.

That’s why we’ve already seen the 2011 Ford Taurus-based Police Interceptor, as well as GM’s own Chevrolet Caprice PPV. Now, Chrysler is also stepping up its police game, and has revealed the new 2011 Dodge Charger Pursuit police car.

Based on the yet unrevealed 2011 Dodge Charger, the Pursuit model promises to offer an upgraded experience to the fine men and women serving in US police departments. In order to do that, it’s equipped with better brakes, increased stability and improved software to handle police duty.

Also, Chrysler has equipped the cars with a new police interface module, which makes integrating existing police equipment into the car that much easier. The 2011 Dodge Charger Pursuit will be offered with two engines, the 3.7-liter Pentastar V6, or the 5.7-liter HEMI V8.

The new police car is set to be available for order in September, after the regular 2011 Dodge Charger will be revealed.

Source: Chrysler

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2011 Dodge Charger Pursuit police car revealed

The 2011 Ford Mustang really impressed a lot of people thanks to its new 5.0-liter V8 engine, capable of an impressive 412 HP.

But what if you want more power but don’t want to buy the performance versions already revealed up until now, the Ford Shelby GT500 or the Ford Mustang Boss 302? Then you should pay a visit to Ford Racing, which has just revealed a new supercharger package for the 5.0-liter V8.

The package includes a Whipple supercharger, an intercooler and upgraded fuel injectors. It’s available in three versions, depending on your own power desire and skill. First, you can get an upgrade to 525 HP and 470 lb-ft, and also a 12 month/12,000 mile warranty, if you get the supercharger installed in an authorized Ford/Lincoln dealership. Those who want more power can get the second version, which boosts output to 624 HP and 536 lb-ft, but with no warranty. Last but not least, for proper gearheads, you can just buy the components and fit them to your Mustang’s engine on your own, for whatever power rating you want.

The first stage starts at $7,199, the second starts at $7,499 while the last one is just $6,499.

Source: Ford Racing

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Ford Racing supercharger for the 2011 Mustang’s 5.0-liter V8 outputs 624 HP

Honda is expanding its hybrid efforts and has just announced that a new model will join the existing green models like the Insight, Civic or the new CR-Z: the Honda Jazz Hybrid.

The greener compact hatchback won’t be really differentiated from its regular internal combustion powered brothers, except for a slightly redesigned front fascia, including the bumper, headlights and grille. The price won’t be severely jacked up either, as Honda wants the Jazz Hybrid to be the entry level in its green lineup both in Europe and in its native Japan.

According to previous statements though, don’t expect the Jazz Hybrid to appear as a Honda Fit Hybrid in the USA, as it might possibly rival the CR-Z, which is something the company wants to avoid.

The Honda Jazz Hybrid will use the same Integrated Motor Assist hybrid assembly, meaning it won’t exactly blow your mind with its fuel economy. Still, the car will certainly attract its fair share of eco-conscious customers.

Expect the Honda Jazz Hybrid to debut at the upcoming Paris Motor Show this fall.

Source: Honda

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Honda Jazz Hybrid revealed, won’t be coming to the US as a Fit Hybrid

It seems that the rumors were true about a convertible Cadillac CTS Coupe. The experts at Drop Top Customs are in fact working on such a project, and will reveal the topless Caddy at the SEMA Show later this year.

We now have the first official sketches, above and below, showcasing the new Cadillac CTS Coupe with a folding cloth top instead of its angular roof.

For those not in the know, Cadillac has denied that a convertible will appear in the already impressive CTS range (sedan, wagon and coupe), so the guys at Drop Top Customs decided to try their hands on the popular Caddy.

Expect more details as we approach the start of the SEMA Show on November 2 in Las Vegas.

Source: Automobile Magazine via Autoblog

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Convertible Cadillac CTS finally pictured by Drop Top Customs

It seems that the 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee might have a potential problem with its rear-mounted fuel tank, at least according to the National Highway Traffic Safety administration, which has just launched an investigation into this subject.

On the request of the Center for Auto Safety, the NHTSA has revealed that there are 44 cases where a rupture in the Gran Cherokee’s gas tank might have led to fire, after the SUV was involved in a car crash. The potential death toll might be as high as 55.

Bear in mind that the investigation is barely underway, and so far the NHTSA said that a thorough analysis is required to see if the fires had anything to do with a rupture in the fuel tank. Chrysler has revealed that it cooperate fully with the federal body.

Source: Business Week via Autoblog

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NHTSA launches investigation into older Jeep Grand Cherokee fuel tanks