Lotus accidentally let it slip a few days ago that it will launch a special performance Evora S and an Evora automatic at the Paris Motor Show.

Now, the British sportcar manufacturer decided to officially detail these new models, the supercharged Evora S and the automatic-equipped Evora IPS (Intelligent Precision Shift).

First off, the Evora S uses a supercharger to squeeze more power out of the Toyota 3.5-liter V6. Output is now rated at 345 HP and 295 lb-ft of torque. This translates in a 0 to 62 mph time of 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 172 mph. More importantly, however, is that there’s a new Sport button in the Evora S. When pushed, it sharpens up the throttle response, opens an exhaust valve bypass as well as increase the rev limiter and change stability control settings. Simply put, Sport does what it says.

Next up, for those not looking for extreme performance, Lotus will offer the Evora IPS. Basically it is just a regular Evora with the new six-speed automatic transmission fitted. More importantly is that this hasn’t impacted the weight of the car, and it has both an automatic and a manual mode, which is enabled through the paddle shifters behind the wheel.

Expect more details when the Paris Motor Show will open its doors at the end of September.

Source: Lotus

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Lotus Evora S and Evora IPS officially revealed before Paris debut

The Moscow Motor Show is in full swing these days, and it’s also the place where the 2011 Toyota Highlander has made its worldwide debut.

As you can see the large ‘crossover’ sports a facelifted appearance, with refreshed front and rear fascias. Everything in the front has been tweaked, while you can expect a few new accessories to decorate the rear of the new Highlander.

Russian customers will be stuck with just one engine option, a 3.5-liter V6, capable of sending 273 HP through a five-speed automatic. Even though it has yet to be confirmed for US shores, the 2011 Highlander will no doubt keep the same engine options. This means a 270 HP 3.5-liter V6, a 187 HP 2.4-liter and a hybrid option.

Source: Toyota

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2011 Toyota Highlander makes its Moscow debut

Last year, General Motors was seriously tight for cash, and applied a series of cost-cutting measures to focus on mainstream models. One of those decisions was putting the performance division on stand by, eliminating the possibility of future powerful cars anytime soon.

Now, as things are looking up for the US carmaker, the company’s vice president of performance and motorsports division, Jim Campbell, has revealed that GM will focus more on compact performance models, which should appeal to those that can’t really afford a Cadillac CTS-V, for example.

Voices are already pointing out the new Chevrolet Cruze, but also the upcoming 2012 Chevrolet Aveo models, which both promise to open up the compact segment to GM. Performance SS versions might seriously help this endeavor, especially as how the Chevrolet Aveo RS concept (pictured above) was positively received when it made its debut in Detroit.

While this may not exactly confirm that performance versions of the Chevrolet Cruze or an Aveo are coming, it’s nice to hear that GM is once again turning its head to performance models.

Source: Automotive News via Autoblog

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General Motors to restart performance division, will focus on compact models

Drifting is usually reserver for hot Japanese models like the Nissan Silvia, Toyota Corolla AE86 or powerful American ones like the Ford Mustang.

One guy decided to showcase that something much different can also go sideways in a spectacular manor. What car are we talking about specifically? An old Mercedes-Benz E Class Wagon W123 diesel, with a Scania turbocharger bolted on for extra performance.

We honestly couldn’t be making this up. Check it out in a video after the jump in a professional drifting challenge against older E30 BMW 3 Series or Nissan Silvia models, it’s totally worth it.

Source: Autoblog

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Video: Mercedes-Benz E Class Wagon W123 goes drifting (seriously!)

New 2011 Ford Mustang GT owners definitely have a lot of choices if they want to squeeze more power out of the already capable 5.0-liter V8 engine.

We’ve already seen Ford Racing offer up its own supercharger treatment, capable of taking the Mustang’s output to an impressive 624 HP, and now traditional Ford tuner Roush Performance has also presented its own offer.

The ROUSHcharger system for the Mustang 5.0 V8 boasts a TVS2300 supercharger, as well special equipment to make it get along with the powerful engine. An output of up to 550 HP and 470 lb-ft of torque can be achieved.

Roush currently offers 90-days warranty for the parts in the system, which costs $5,999. A full Roush Performance supercharger program will follow later this fall with complete warranty.

Source: Roush Performance

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Roush presents its own supercharger for the 2011 Ford Mustang 5.0-liter V8

Brabus not only knows how to tune Mercedes-Benz models like the SLS AMG supercar, but it also takes pride in incorporating the latest technology into their tuning projects.

The latest one is the Brabus iBusiness, based on a Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG. While you’ll no doubt be amazed by the twin-turbocharged 6.3-liter V12 engine, capable of 750 and 811 lb-ft of torque, which can push the limousine from 0 to 62 mph in 4 seconds and up to 211 mph, the real luxury treatment is on the inside.

Brabus has fitted everything it could find in their local Apple store inside the tuned S Class. You’ll be able to enjoy not one but two iPads, a 64GB iPod Touch, two LCD screens incorporated into the front seats and also a 15.2-inch display in the headliner, connected to a Mac Mini located in the boot of the car.

What’s even more interesting is that you can control the Mercedes-Benz Command infotainment system with either of the two iPads, including functions like the radio, telephone or navigation.

The price? That hasn’t been revealed, but people like Apple CEO Steve Jobs might be able to afford one.

Source: Brabus

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Brabus iBusiness Mercedes-Benz S Class takes Apple love to the extreme

It seems that Toyota can’t catch a break for even a month without a recall. Now, it seems that the investigation into engine stalling issues with specific Corolla and Matrix models has revealed that an underlying issue is present.

As such, 2005-2008 Toyota Corolla and Matrix models, as well as specific 2005-2008 Pontiac Vibe vehicles, will be called back to dealerships. The engine control modules will be replaced for the 1.8-liter unit, so that stalling issues will be a thing of the past.

Around 1.1 million cars are affected by this new recall. Don’t forget that the same Corolla and Matrix models are also suffering from a steering issue, which Toyota deemed unimportant. It is, however, offering free repairs, so you might fix two problems with just one trip to the dealership.

Owners will be notified in September about this new recall.

Source: Toyota

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Toyota officially recalls 1.1 million Corolla and Matrix models over engine stalling issues

We have a different type of recall now, as GPS device manufacturer Garmin has just announced that it will be calling back specific models due to a faulty battery which can overheat.

The models in question include the Nuvi 200W, 250W, 260W and a few from the 700 series. They were all equipped with a faulty battery which, in the right conditions, may overheat and even lead to a fire.

This also affects several in-car GPS systems that were made by Garmin for companies like Suzuki. The Japanese brand revealed that it is consulting with Garmin and will announce what cars will be recalled in order to fix their GPS systems.

If you want to find out if your device is affected by this recall, check out Garmin’s official website.

Source: Consumer Reports via Autoblog

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Garmin recalls Nuvi GPS devices, Suzuki cars may also be affected