2011 Lancia Flavia

The Chrysler 200 was nipped, pulled, and tweaked into something that Chrysler hopes will revive the model in the US market’s eyes, and now it’s going to get a different badge slapped on its backside for its European counterpart. Lancia is about to unveil the Flavia concept, a preview version of the European 200 that will be launched in about six months.

The Lancia Flavia Concept is characterized by clean surfaces and elegant lines, as well as a distinctive new grille with the original front headlights and fog lights. Adding to the stylish exterior are LED tail lights and a third brake light, both with LED technology. The concept will be presented in both coupe and convertible versions, with the convertible featuring a refined soft top with electric control.

The interior of the 200 wannabe will feature fine leather, electronic stability control (ESC), numerous airbags (multi-stage front, side and window bags), and electronic traction control. The steering wheel will get integrated controls to operate the radio, cruise control, and mobile phone, allowing for a safe and comfortable drive.

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Chevrolet’s ready to dole out one special edition Camaro every six months

Apparently, the Camaro ZL1 revealed at the Chicago Auto Show is just the beginning of a long list of Camaro special editions the company has in store. Chevrolet has announced that there will be a new limited edition Camaro model approximately every six months in an effort to generate buzz for the nameplate.

"Our plan is to keep evolving the Camaro," said Al Oppenheiser, chief engineer for the Camaro. "That is the beauty of the Camaro. It has so much of a rich heritage that we can put together the right combination of content. We have a lot of rich names to choose from."

The newest version so far is the ZL1, a model powered by an LSA 6.2L supercharged V-8 engine that produces an estimated 550 HP and 550 lb.-ft. of torque, but the thought of an even faster model will more than likely keep us up at night in anticipation. So far, all Chevrolet has revealed is the return of the Synergy name this spring and 500 replicas of the 2011 Camaro SS Convertible Pace Car. Rumors suggest that Chevrolet will be offering a Transformers edition, linked to the Transformers: Dark of the Moon, sometime in 2012.

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2011 Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible by Wheelsandmore

German tuner, Wheelsandmore, provided a kickass tuning package for the Bentley Continental Supersports back in 2010 and we are happy to report that they are revisiting the Bentley brand with a new package for the Continental’s Convertible version.

The engine upgrade is nothing new considering these are the same modifications Wheelsandmore made to the Continental Coupe just last year. Adding power to an already amazing turbocharged 6.0-liter W12 engine is done with the use of an ECU upgrade combined with a handmade, stainless steel exhaust system and a remote controlled valve flap system, leaving the convertible with 702 HP and 650 lb-ft of torque (up from a standard of 621 HP and 590 lbs-ft. Getting this kingpin to stop are new carbon-ceramic brakes measuring 16.54 inches, the largest available.

Making their second appearance on a Bentley model are the 3-piece C-Sport wheels measuring 10.5x21 inches. These customizable wheels further enhance the look and feel of the vehicle with the use of just about any color imaginable. The final touch is a new electronic lowering module from Wheelsandmore called "LowMaXX". This new suspension raises and lowers the vehicle by around 0.79 inches at a speed of 44 mph to restore comfort and safety.

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2011 Lancia Ypsilon

It seems a little strange that it’s almost been eight years since a new Ypsilon rolled its way out of Lancia’s power plants. Apparently, though, it’s true.

Strange as it sounds, over the 25 years that it’s been around, the Ypsilon has only spawned three generations with the fourth and newest one scheduled to make its debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. The new Lancia Ypsilon is completely different because it was built from the ground up and comes with much more aesthetic options to fit into the ’supermini’ segment that it hopes to get into. That means that you can expect nothing but surprises with Lancia’s new ride, including a five-door option for the model that’s never been done before in the Ypsilon’s 25-year, three-generation lifespan.

Whatever the case may be, you can expect good things for Lancia and the fourth-generation Ypsilon, a car whose debut certainly was a long time in the making.

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2013 Audi RS6

The official details for the new Audi A6 aren’t even cold yet and already we are hearing ripples of rumors about different versions of the luxury sedan. It’s only natural that the company will follow the A6 with an S and RS (Renn Sport) version for it, so these rumors are more fact than fiction. However, while the RS version won’t be unveiled until about another two years, many people are too geeked up about it to wait that long, and this fresh rendering is proof of that.

Besides receiving an impressive exterior update inspired by the latest A7 Sportback and an even sportier interior with higher quality materials, the Audi RS6 sports sedan will also be built on the new MLP platform (structured to provide better weight distribution) that will help reduce the total weight by aprox. 220 lbs.

Also, the new RS6 will drop the current V10 engine in favor of a new twin turbo 4-liter V8 engine that will deliver the same performance numbers as the engine it replaces.

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2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The sixth generation of Volkswagen’s small family car was only unveiled a short time ago at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show, but the German automaker has already found a way to persuade more money out of the wallets of potential Jetta owners with a new version of the vehicle. The 2011 Chicago Auto Show has welcomed the Volkswagen Jetta GLI, a new model that will be offered in three trim levels: base GLI, GLI Autobahn, and GLI Autobahn with Navigation.

The base model will feature a sportier look, a performance-oriented interior, better performance, and an impressive list of standard equipment. The GLI Autobahn then adds 18-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, dual-zone climate control, heated V-Tex leatherette seats, and a Fender-branded audio system. Claim the top-of-the-line GLI and you’ll get all of that plus Volkswagen’s RNS-315 navigation system, keyless entry, and push-button start.

Sales for the Jetta GLI will begin in Spring 2011 with prices starting at $23,495. The GLI Autobahn’s goodies will increase the price to $25,545, while the GLI Autobahn with Navigation is priced at $26,445. The extra $10,000 added to the GLI model may scare some potential owners from looking further, but this version may just have enough style and technology to fully make up for the extra bills.

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2012 De Tomaso SLC Crossover Concept

We’ve been waiting for the comeback announced by Detomaso since about 2008, and we may finally be seeing the start of that comeback in a spy shot seen on Jokeforblog. Though not a sports car like their famous Pantera, this next vehicle should give us something to work with as the shot reveals a sleek looking crossover model. Penned the SLC, the luxury SUV should be making its debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show from March 4th-14th.

The De Tomaso SLC should be launched sometime next year, and with the money obtained from sales, De Tomaso will built a modern interpretation of the legendary Pantera. So, basically, new owner Gianmario Rossignolo is using this model as a jump start before the serious auto-making begins.

Short refresher: The De Tomaso Pantera was the first super-sport model produced between 1971 until 1996. In its 25 years only 720 units were made and one of them was owned by Elvis Presley.

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Designer renders Porsche 356 Speedster

We’ve always welcomed auto designers on our pages to show off their creations as a way of giving these guys some exposure in the industry. Hey, you never know who may be reading what these days and we like to think we’re doing our part in getting these designers’ feet in the door. This latest piece of work comes courtesy of Tigran Lalayan, a designer out of Armenia who showed us a rendering of his interpretation of the future Porsche 356.

Using the traditional engine composition of the 356 – behind the rear axle that’s paired with rear-wheel drive – Lalayan has added KERS technology to the system to be able to increase the car’s fuel efficiency. As for his overall design of the 356 Speedster, Lalayan stayed true to Porsche’s design language by instilling a number of elements traditionally found in Porsche models, including the low windshield, the oval headlights, the circular - albeit smaller - taillights, and the detachable rooftop.

Overall, Lalayan’s work is okay, if not just interesting. We’d like to see more of a front bumper because, on certain angles, the car looks more like a Volkswagen Beetle than a Porsche. But hey, Lalayan’s design is still much better than what our imaginations and rendering skills – or lack thereof – can come up with, so we have to give some credit where it’s due.

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2008 Mercedes SL65 AMG Shining Star by MR Car Design

Some have mistakenly thrown around the name ’Shining Star’ a little too loosely for our liking, and as is often the case, the vehicles with that sparkling name almost always fail to deliver. This, however, is not the case with MR Car Design’s work on the Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG. The name ’Shining Star’ fits the sports car almost perfectly.

As the latest work of the Erftstadt-based auto tuner, this particular SL65 comes with a number of exterior improvements, including a new carbon bonnet courtesy of its compatriot and tuner-at-arm, Kicherer. In addition to the SLR-inspired bonnet, MR Car Design lowered the SL65 AMG’s ride height by 30 mm while also putting in a new rear bumper, black fender lights at the front, a mid-mounted black brake light out in the back, a new sport exhaust system, and a set of 20" forged rims courtesy of yet another aftermarket brethren, Carlsson. As for the interior, not a lot of changes were done except for the installation of custom-made Black Series dial lenses.

Under its hood, the SL65 AMG also gets a little boost in performance, thanks to software adjustments done on the ECU that netted an improvement on the 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 engine from its standard 604 horsepower and 748 lb/ft of torque to 683 horsepower and 819 lb/ft of torque.

Overall, there’s plenty to like about MR Car Design’s work on the SL65 AMG and for the first time in a long time, the ’Shining Star’ name is more than just a title.

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