Hyundai and Kia Working on Strapping a Turbo To a V-6

When Hyundai and Kia strapped some boost to a 2.0-liter engine and bumped its output to over 270 horsepower, we took notice. Hyundai then released the all-new 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and we thought, “What’s going on here?” Now Hyundai and Kia are working on yet another turbocharged engine and it’s likely to turn heads and twist faces.

According to reports, at Hyundai-Kia’s International Powertrain Conference, the automakers confirmed that they are currently working on a turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine. The likely recipient of this new boosted V-6 engine is the next-generation Genesis.

This engine is expected to feature direct fuel injection and at least 350 ponies. With the combination of a turbocharger, direct fuel injection, and other creative engineering, Hyundai-Kia expects this engine to get somewhere in the 33 mpg range. We’re not too sure which Genesis Hyundai is talking about, but we assume this would see use in the coupe model.

The existing Genesis 3.8 R-Spec uses a 3.8-liter V-6 that produces 348 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. With turbos being as effective as they are now, we would expect to see torque nearing 350 pound-feet at super-low rpm – maybe sub-2,000. That would make the Genesis quite the screamer. Given its existing 5.3-second sprint to 60 mph, we would anticipate that to drop near the 4.5-second range with the added horsepower and torque.

For now, this is all speculation and we don’t expect to see the next-gen Genesis Coupe until at least the 2016 model year, maybe even later. If Hyundai is planning on this engine going into the Genesis sedan, we could see it as early as 2014.

2014 Alfa Romeo SUV

Alfa Romeo is preparing to make an impressive comeback to the US market with four new models. One of them is the company’s long rumored compact crossover SUV. The model - unnamed, but rumored to be called CXover - will be built on the same platform as the next generation Jeep Liberty and will target models like the Audi Q5 and the BMW X3.

Alfa Romeo will offer both front-drive and all-wheel drive variants, and a full engine line-up including a 1750 TC GDI that delivers 200 HP, a 2.0-liter JTDm diesel unit with 140 HP, and a 3.3 liter variant of Chrysler’s Pentastar V6 engine that delivers a total of 275 HP. It has also been rumored that a new 9-speed automatic transmission will find its way into the new SUV.

Expect to see the new Alfa Romeo SUV launched sometime in 2013, more than likely at the Geneva Motor Show.

Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 wrapped in Swarovski crystals

Lamborghini’s latest toy could be an amazing gift for the car-loving kid who knows how to take care of collectibles, or it could be one of those "I’m buying myself a great present" moments. This 1:18 scale Aventador LP 700-4 was built by Burago and is wrapped in Swarovski crystals. Yes, Swarovski.

Each unit is painted in a crystal color and features a total of 8400 Swarovski elements, emitting luxury and stunning brilliance from this tiny supercar. Each unit also comes in a Black leatherette box with an awe-inspiring realistic design.

Only 500 units of this very cool die-cast Aventador will be produced, so if anyone wants one, they’ll need to move fast and produce €1,000, about $1,300 at the current exchange rates. It may be a little early for Christmas, but they’ll surely sell out before that time comes.

Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series will deliver 630 HP

The Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series is due to be unveiled sometime in the third quarter of 2014 and details on it are already leaking out. A Mercedes insider has provided WCF with details on the design and power output of the future Black Series.

Aaccording to the Mercedes insider, the SLS Black Series will be powered by an updated version of the current 6.2 liter naturally aspirated V8 engine with its output taken up to an impressive 630 HP. With the extra power, the Black Series version should be significantly faster than the standard SLS: the sprint from 0 to 60 mph is believed to be made in just 3.4 seconds - down from the current 3.7 seconds.

As for the car’s exterior look, the design should follow along with the look of the recently announced SLS AMG GT3 45th Anniversary, but with a modified front bumper, a new carbon fiber hood with a center scoop, carbon fiber air intakes, and a huge carbon fiber rear spoiler.

The SLS AMG Black Series will officially be unveiled in the third quarter of 2014 and only 100 units will be offered for the US market.

Chevrolet Corvette C7 With Twin-turbo V6 engine

Just yesterday, Chevrolet announced that the seventh generation Corvette will be making its world debut on January 13th at the Detroit Auto Show. Today, new details about the future sports car have popped up. According to British magazine, AutoCar, the C7 Corvette could feature a new twin-turbo V6 alongside new and traditional V8 engines.

Chevrolet is tweaking the power offerings of the Corvette by introducing a new 5.5 liter V8 engine as an entry-level version, while the current 6.2 liter V8 engine will be offered for its top versions. The new 5.5 liter engine will feature an aluminum block and will adopt higher compression and direct injection.

Next to these two engines, Chevrolet could introduce a downsized twin-turbo V6 that will deliver the same output of a V8 engine, but be much more fuel efficient. This new V6 version, however, will join the line-up at a later date.

Aside from the engine tweaks, the next Corvette will offer a significant weight reduction thanks to its new carbon fiber panels, replacing the fiber glass currently used. The model will remain a front-engined vehicle and will send its power to the rear wheels.

Mercedes GLG on 2015

We were just getting used to the idea that Mercedes was preparing a crossover based on their new A-Class platform and we are already learning that there in fact be two different crossovers based on the new A-Class family. The first crossover will be called the GLA and the second one will be the GLG. The GLG will actually be a baby version of the current G-Class and an off-road version of the GLA.

The first details suggest that the next GLG will feature a taller, more upright stance and design elements inspired by the G-Class. The model will be offered in a front-wheel drive configuration, but a 4Matic version is also being rumored. The engine line-up will be identical to the one used in the A-Class and will range from a base 1.6-liter with 122 HP up to a 211 HP 2.0 liter engine. An AMG version will also be offered. It will deliver about 350 HP and will be offered with stronger brakes, a seven-speed automatic gearbox, quicker steering, and a re-engineered front axle.

The new Mercedes GLG will be unveiled sometime in mid 2015 and will be just one of the ten all-new models planned by 2020.

Toyota Prius Persona Series

Toyota is slowly announcing the trim levels for the Prius’ 2013 model year and it has been relatively “blah” so far. Toyota is at least attempting to spice things up – or at least mailing in its attempt – by releasing a :ahem: “Special Edition” model that it has dubbed the Prius Persona Series.

This so-called special edition has pretty much just two things that are special about it. The first is a black-cherry paint job that can only be found on the Persona Series model. Also unique to this model are the darker-finished 17-inch wheels and the “Persona Series” badges on the outside. In addition to the black-cherry paint, you can also opt for black and Blizzard Pearl.

On the inside, Toyota will fit the Prius Persona Series with black SofTex seats with red accent stitching. For those that don’t know, SofTex is imitation leather that Toyota patented earlier this year. Also wrapped in charcoal-colored SofTex with black accents and red contrasting stitching is the steering wheel.

Lastly, the Prius Persona Series gets dark chrome accents throughout the interior, including on the steering wheel, gear shifter ring, arm rest, door handles, and front cup holders. Other than those additions, the Prius Persona Series comes with the same 134-horsepower, 1.8-liter engine that the base Prius Two comes with.

Toyota has priced this special model at $27,890, which is about $1,300 more than the 2013 Prius Three

Porsche Cayenne Diesel by Kahn Design

Kahn Design is keeping busy releasing a new tuning program every week. So far, they have been focusing on Land Rover models, but this week’s package du jour is for the Porsche Cayenne 3.0 Diesel.

Kahn started by adding a very cool aerodynamic package which includes vented front and rear wide wheel arches with integrated front and rear air dams, a lower boot lid spoiler, and exterior Kahn enamel wing shields. The door handles are finished in matte black, while the brake calipers are finished in liquid gold. They have also opted to put in LED daytime running lights for the front wheel arch vents and privacy tinted glass. The final element of the exterior package is a new set of 22" Kahn RS wheels finished in a color chosen by the customer. There is also a sports lowering module which provides the car with a sportier appearance.

For the interior, the package adds black and carbon quilted and perforated leather with ivory contrast stitching, a black and carbon quilted leather center glovebox, a red and cream colored speedo and rev counter facia, and balck charcoal finish floor mats.

Chevrolet Camaro Retrokit by Lingenfelter

For people who are big fans of the first generation Chevy Camaro, which served as the source of inspiration for the current gens retro design, Lingenfelter has unveiled a new body-kit that will transform the look of the current Camaro, bringing it close enough to the original look and feel of the ’69 Camaro.

Called the Retrokit, it pays homage to the old-school Camaro by adding in elements found in that generation. From the grille with the proud SS badge in the center to the twin stripes that run across the body to the 19 inch alloys; all these features are reminiscent to the old and retro ’69 Camaro. Along with the design changes, the kit comes with a new set of headlights, bumpers, and a new spoiler. In short, this kit lets you enjoy the best of both worlds.

The Retrokit can be ordered in two options - Base and RS, with the latter featuring a extra set of lights below the grille. The base price of the Retrokit starts at $6,850, while the RS kit costs a slightly higher $8,150. This a do-it-yourself kit, but for those who can’t take care of the build, Lingenfelter will install the kit at a price of $8,550 for the base and $9,750 for the RS.

2013 BMW M3 Coupe Frozen Limited Edition

BMW has announced the launch of a new special edition M3 specially designed for its US customers. The new M3 Coupe Frozen Limited Edition will be available in a choice of three frozen exterior colors - Frozen Red, Frozen White, and Frozen Blue - and will be priced at $76,395. Only 150 units will be built and production will begin in January 2013.

The new M3 Coupe Frozen will be offered with the standard Competition Package that includes a lowered suspension and new 19" alloy wheels painted in matte black. The car’s frozen exterior will be combined with high-gloss black on the kidney grills, side grills, and the exhaust pipe tips.

For the interior, the BMW will receive black Extended Novillo leather with contrast stitching in the vehicle’s chosen exterior color on the seats, headrests, door inserts, armrests, middle console, and door pulls.

2013 Toyota Avalon HV Edition

TRD (Toyota Racing Development) isn’t just heading to the 2012 SEMA Auto with the Avalon TRD Edition, but with an Avalon HV Edition as well. This Avalon tuning firm is a concept based on the Avalon Hybrid that highlights the potential of the new car.

The new Avalon HV Edition will feature a Bright white paint finish combined with electric blue accent colors on the hybrid-blue headlights, tail-lights and turn signals, and the color-keyed custom grille. The HV sits on a new set of 19" custom wheel design with a three-stage paint finish.

The same color theme continues on the interior where the tuner opted for blue-silver metallic leather and white perforated leather seat inserts, as well as crisp blue stitching and dashboard accents. Just like the other concept headed to SEMA, the HV Edition features a 15-speaker JBL GreenEdgeTM surround-sound audio system.

We are not sure if any changes have been made in terms of power, but there are some changes in tow for the car’s suspensions and brakes. TRD installed cold-rolled steel coil springs that lower the vehicle approximately one inch at the front and rear.

2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Dee Zee Edition

The Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Dee Zee Edition probably won’t get the same buzz as some of the other Hyundai models at the 2012 SEMA Auto Show, but that doesn’t mean that it won’t get some love from us.

Built in collaboration with truck accessory company Dee Zee, the Santa Fe Sport Dee Zee Edition is a prime example of what the new 2013 Santa Fe is capable of becoming with the right mix of custom upgrades.

For this model, Dee Zee wanted to prop the Hyundai SUV as a versatile vehicle that you can take just about anywhere outside of the water. Be it the off-road or the trails, the Santa Fe Sport Dee Zee Edition is primed and ready for action, thanks to the slew of customizations Dee Zee put into it.

A black powder-coated aluminum front bumper bar gives the Santa Fe Sport not just a more menacing stance, but also protection from outside hubris that might victimize a standard type. There are also black power-coated aluminum sidesteps for easier access to and from the interior.

A black roof rack is also prominently featured, which in this case proudly displays the equipment you can bring with you on your outdoor excisions, including a bike rack and a kayak rack.

2013 Kia Rio Aquaman Edition 5-Door

It’s not exactly the Justice League swooping down to the 2012 SEMA Auto Show to save us from tyrannical custom vehicles, but these DC superhero-inspired Kia models are pretty cool in their own right.

As a joint collaboration between Kia, DC Entertainment, and West Coast Customs, the Kia Rio 5-Door was one of the models treated to a superhero make-over to promote DC’s "We Can Be Heroes" campaign. To no one’s surprise, the eco-friendly Rio became the ultimate alter-ego of DC’s resident environment guardian, Aquaman.

The Aquaman-inspired Rio 5-door received the hero’s famous gold, green, and orange exterior colors to go with a body kit that incredibly includes custom-fabricated fins. Body lighting across the exterior are also part of the program, as are Oracle LED wheel rings and a new set of 20" color-matched Asanti wheels wrapped in Continental tires.

Inside, the Aquaman theme continues with the reupholstered seats dressed in green leather with yellow and gold accents. Green suede was also used on the headliner while the back seats bear Aquaman’s logo stitched into it. Open up the trunk of the Rio and watch as it pops up like an underwater treasure chest where you’ll find Aquaman comic-book art with a polycast cutout and surrounded with Oracle LED lighting. Last, but certainly not least, a pair of 7" Rosen Entertainment monitors have also been installed, as well as a 12" subwoofer with two coaxial component speakers and amps.