Jaguar will produce a limited run of 200 XKR-S coupes, which will be offered in Europe only. Now, the regular XKR is a delectable conveyance that combines endless sex appeal with eye-widening performance. Put plainly, it is an absolute hoot to drive. The XKR-S takes all that goodness and ramps things up a bit. The 420-horsepower blown V8 is unchanged, and the XKR-S has the same 0-60 time (4.9 seconds) as its standard counterpart. What does change is the electronically governed top speed. Adding the “S” also adds 19 mph to the cat’s top end, now 174 mph.

Among the myriad other changes made for the XKR-S are the addition of big Alcon Performance R brakes, a retuned suspension, and a host of visual and aerodynamics upgrades, such as new wheels with retro-logo caps, a new front splitter, side skirts, a new rear spoiler, and a rear diffuser insert. Inside, what was already a very nice cabin becomes opulent, with new interior trim, a higher-end audio system, updated instruments (to accomodate the higher top speed) and other sundry niceties. You can sum the whole thing up in two words: “fast” and “beautiful.” We want.

[Source: AutoBlog]

Audi has been on a diesel-fueled kick in the last couple of months, first with the unveiling of the R8 V12 TDI concept in Detroit and then followed earlier today by the R8 V12 TDI Le Mans. Both pieces of oil-burning exotica stoke the flames in our diesel-desiring hearts (through compression ignition), but they remain – for the time being – unobtainium. However, Audi maintains that diesel power and driving prowess aren’t mutually exclusive, so to prove the point, Audi unveiled the TT 2.0 TDI Quattro. The iconic coupe and roadster are both equipped with a 2.0-liter turbo diesel producing 170 hp and 258 lb.-ft. of torque, with power transmitted through a six-speed manual gearbox and through Audi’s legendary Quattro all-wheel-drive system. Puttering along on the U.S. combined cycle in the coupe will net you 44.3 mpg, while the drop top version gets an equally impressive 42.7 mpg.

[Source: AutoBlog]

Mitsubishi is serious about extending its range of Lancer products to fill every niche between the base ES model and the range-topping Evolution X MR. The introduction of the Lancer Ralliart was one way of plugging the gaping hole between the lesser Lancer and its rally-bred big brother, but still, something was missing: utility. Mitsubishi’s answer to the Subaru WRX Sportwagon and Volkswagen’s four-door GTI is the Lancer Prototype-S, a new model that will move on from concept to production within the next year.

All the details that have trickled out over the past month were realized earlier today, as the five-door Lancer made its appearance in Geneva. As expected, power will come from the Ralliart’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, which sends 240 hp and 252 lb.-ft. of torque through the Twin Clutch SST gearbox and on down to all four wheels through an Active Center differential.

The chances of the Prototype-S making it Stateside grow each day, particularly as Mitsubishi aims to reestablish itself as a producer of economical and entertaining vehicles that blend a bit of sportiness with a dose of functionality.

[Source: AutoBlog]

The production version of the Kia SOUL is on its way, and is likely to make its official debut sometime later this year. As an appetizer for what’s to come, Kia unveiled three SOUL concepts in Geneva that supposedly speak directly to the perceived intentions and personalities of its buyers.

The first of the three concepts shown was the SOUL Burner, which takes the Korean automaker’s idea of the bad-boy lifestyle to an ill-informed, urban extreme. From there, Kia takes off a pop-idol tangent with its “Diva” model, which purports to be sporting a more feminine, yet edgy appearance. We’re not sure about how someone of the female gender would feel behind the wheel of a the SOUL, but we’re guessing that the gold wheels and matching trim might turn off someone that was upwardly mobile. Lastly, the SOUL Searcher is exactly as its name implies: someone who’s attempting to get in touch with the softer side of the automotive spectrum – essentially a modern day VW Camper Van.

[Source: AutoBlog]

Last week we showed you a teaser shot of the headlight of the all-new 2009 Infiniti FX. Tonight in Geneva we saw the whole thing. Carlos Ghosn himself introduced the new FX at a club-like venue just down the road from the Palexpo. Accompanied by some choreographed theatrics, the new FX dropped from the ceiling and landed front and center ahead of its EX37 and G37 siblings, which will join it in the new Infiniti dealerships starting up in Europe this year.

The redesigned 2009 FX will come in three different flavors, topping out with the FX50 we saw here. As the name tells us, it features a new 5.0L V8, said to be good for 390HP and more than 500nM of torque. Fairly stout numbers compared to the outgoing 4.5. The 2009 FX should start appearing at North American Infiniti dealers by June. You can read about the rest of the changes to this fairly highly anticipated CUV in the press release after the jump, but we think the photos in the gallery will tell more of the story. Personally we’d be remiss if we didn’t note that although most of the changes sound great, the second-gen FX doesn’t improve on the previous generation in the styling department.

[Por: AutoBlog]

Faralli and Mantazzi aren’t through reinterpreting classically handsome design cues and proportions. Their Antas GT will appear in the upcoming Speed Racer movie, and while that car is a mash-up of Morgan, Talbot-Lago, classic Alfas and even a touch of Bugatti, the firm’s new ride, the Vulca, goes in a different direction. The V12 Vulca is still an homage to the past in a curvaceous and muscular fasion, but it’s more infused with Ferrari and Aston Martin, and even hints of C2 and C3 Corvette than its stablemate.

There are only ten copies planned, which is a prudent move as a possible economic implosion could take the wind out of the sails of the market for cars like these. The 2+2 rides on its own chassis, rather than borrowing from Maserati’s Quattorporte like the Antas. More than one 12-pot is offered, starting with a 6.0 liter unit and topping out with a 7.5 liter top dog laying down about 600 HP. While the Vulca will undoubtedly be thrilling with its 12-cylinder powerplants, the aluminum coachwork is so beautiful that it could be powered by an Iron Duke for all we cared.

[Source: AutoBlog]

The G8 is the most important new model that Pontiac has had in many years, and it could in fact be a make-or-break car for the brand. For several years, GM has been planning to transition the “performance” brand to an all rear-wheel-drive lineup. However, new fuel economy regulations may kill those plans unless GM can get some big sales out of the G8 and also make it more efficient. Now that the sedan is rolling into dealerships, the company is planning a major promotional push for it to ensure it doesn’t suffer the same sad fate as Pontiac’s last Aussie import, the GTO.

Interestingly, it seems GM thinks that the car will appeal more to the old-school types than us web junkies. The G8 will be getting the biggest bundle of Pontiac ad dollars this year, starting with the NCAA Tournament. Most of the effort will be put into old-style TV and print ads rather than the internet. Brian Shipman, G8 product manager, thinks this will bring more people into Pontiac stores than web and viral campaigns would. GM isn’t saying how much it’ll spend on the campaign, but dealers definitely want a car with some excitement to draw in customers. We’ll know soon enough whether the G8 fits the bill.

[Por: AutoBlog]