When the wraps come off in Vegas, the HKS-tuned Genesis Coupe will feature the firm's GT Turbo upgrade package, engine internals, limited-edition turbo-back exhaust, Mega Flow intake, engine management system and Hipermax III fully adjustable suspension.
Kenstyle, HKS' time attack aerodynamic partner, has been tapped to provide a bespoke body kit for the Genesis Coupe, and the company's CAMP2 OBD2 programmable electronics system will keep tabs on 24 separate engine parameters to calculate everything from real-time fuel consumption to estimated gasoline costs.
Both HKS and RMR seem confident that the new Genesis Coupe will be a scorcher when it hits the market next year, and Hyundai is very aware of the aftermarket potential for its first turbocharged, rear-wheel-drive two-door.
Diesel Power: Team Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart Racing Lancer
With Audi dominating in the American Le Mans Series with its oil-burning R10 racecar, automakers are continually looking for new ways to implement diesels into their motorsports campaigns. Mitsubishi is no different, and if there was ever an event that could fully exploit the massive torque and increased fuel efficiency of a diesel, the Dakar Rally is it.
In an effort to bolster the Lancer's image while simultaneously providing a replacement for the outgoing Pajero racer, Mitsubishi has created a new cross-country rally vehicle inspired by its mass-market sedan. The "Racing Lancer" officially debuted at the 2008 FIA Cross-Country Rally World Cup in Portugal this past October after enduring over 5,000 miles of testing.
The new vehicle complies with both the current Group T1 and 2010 FIA regulations, with a multi-tubular steel frame, longer wheelbase, lowered fuel cell, repositioned spare tires and a wind tunnel-tested carbon fiber body that barely apes the new Lancer Sportback.
A 3.0-liter V6 diesel equipped with a two-stage turbocharger and rear-mounted air-to-air intercooler produces 277 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque. All that twist is delivered to Mitsubishi's permanent four-wheel-drive system through a five-speed sequential gearbox before it reaches "low-energy" 245/80/16 rally tires mounted on 16x7-inch OZ aluminum wheels. Double wishbones with coil springs and BOS dampers handle suspension duties, while Brembo six-piston calipers clamp onto massive vented 16-inch rotors.
The Racing Lancer is set to dominate Dakar in 2009 and we're trying to weasel our way into the driver's seat for a full test.
Rumors & Lies
* Reports out of Japan suggest that Toyota has killed plans to produce the Lexus LF-A. Even though ToMoCo's first foray into the world of supercars recently campaigned in the 24 Hours of Nurburgring, development costs, a rumored MSRP of $225,000, and the LF-A's inability to hold its own against the Corvette ZR-1, Dodge Viper and more importantly, the Nissan GT-R and upcoming Honda NSX replacement, have apparently all contributed to the LF-A's demise. Toyota has yet to release an official statement about the LF-A's future, but considering that it never set a firm production date, it's possible that the automaker may just sweep the LF-A under the rug and use the platform for future sports car development.
* Volkswagen will bring a mid-engine sports car concept to this year's Los Angeles auto show, and if it garners a favorable reception, the budget Elise fighter could go on sale in 2011. However, VAG needs to make a business case for the platform, and the only way to make a profit is to use the underpinnings on as many models as possible. That could mean that the next Audi TT, due out in 2013, could ditch its front-engine layout for a mid-ship arrangement. In order to distance itself from VW/Audi's corporate cousin, Porsche, and the Boxster/Cayman, VAG will keep the cylinder count at four, displacing between 1.6- and 2.0-liters, and topping out at 280 horsepower.