Hyundai Genesis Coupe - Sport Compact Car Magazine

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Rumors&Lies
* Infiniti dealers in the US were livid when word came down from HQ that the new GT-R would be sporting a Nissan badge in the States. However, rumors are beginning to swirl that, in the next few years, Infiniti might get some form of the GT-R in the shape of a sedan. The GT-R's platform would have to be stretched to accommodate the extra seating, but the rear-mounted transmission and suspension components could still make the migration. While there's no confirmation that such a model is bound for production (mainly because Infiniti has to work on the new Q45 before it can expand its model range), Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn has confirmed that it's been kicked around the boardroom. It could be a vital play if Infiniti decides to go after Mercedes' AMG and BMW's M customers.

* After unveiling the 1 Series tii Concept in Tokyo last November, BMW might be resurrecting the historic badge within its performance parts line. The equipment that debuted on that car forms the basis for BMW's Performance Accessories, but the next 3 Series might benefit from some tii badging, allowing a version to slot in below the M3. Additionally, the revised 335i, due toward the end of the decade, will likely be upgraded with the 135i's electronic differential and DSC system. Hopefully, some serious weight-saving measures are also being planned.

* Adam Carolla, of The Man Show fame, may have made the cut to be one of the co-hosts for America's own Top Gear series. Several names have been floating around since negotiations for the new show began earlier this year, including late-night talk-show host and profound pistonhead, Jay Leno, as well as Jerry Seinfeld. Car reviews are expected be above average, while jokes should be sub-par.

Hyundai Genesis Coupe Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Wagon Rear

* A production version of Honda's CR-Z concept is slated to arrive in the UK some time in late 2009 or early 2010, sporting a hybrid drivetrain pulled from a new hybrid-specific model. Honda is hoping to sell 500,000 hybrids a year by 2011. If it hopes to reach that goal, US sales are almost guaranteed.

* Lotus has released a new version of its 2-Eleven track tool that ditches the supercharged Exige S motor in favor of the naturally aspirated engine found in the current Elise. The 189bhp, Toyota-sourced 2ZZ joins a new aero package with an adjustable carbon fiber spoiler, a front splitter and Ohlins two-way adjustable dampers. The new model hopes to attract more price-conscious consumers to the brand when it goes on sale in Europe later this year.

Atomic Energy
If there's anything the Ariel Atom isn't lacking, it's an enviable power-to-weight ratio. But the crew at RS Developments decided that the car should be able to do more than hang with high-dollar exotica from Ferrari and Lamborghini. After developing a specialized engine for the Ariel's spiritual ancestor, the Caterham Seven, it decided to port that same technology over to the Atom. The result is an aluminum 2.4-liter V8-fed by a Roots-type supercharger-that produces 500bhp all the way up to the engine's 10,000rpm redline. The dry-sump, 40-valve engine is mounted amidships and sends power to a six-speed, paddle-shifted gearbox equipped with launch and traction control. The zero-to-60mph time is expected to be somewhere in the two-second area and RS has fitted the Atom with carbon fiber aero bits, a multi-function steering wheel, Alcon four-piston brakes and Dymag magnesium wheels. The imaginatively named Ariel Atom 500 will go on sale later this year with a sticker that should eclipse $100,000.
Atomic Energy If there's anything the Ariel Atom isn't lacking, it's an enviable power-to-
Toyota's Small IQ
With the release of its iQ mini-car, Toyota is branching out in Europe and taking aim at the recently redesigned Smart Fortwo. Measuring just under 118 inches long and 79 inches wide, the iQ has made the transition from concept to production after its initial unveiling in Frankfurt last September. The iQ's styling benefits from many of the sharp creases and odd angles that Toyota has displayed in concept cars over the last year. Inside, the iQ maximizes volume with a 50/50 split rear seat, an innovative three-plus-one seating arrangement and an under-floor fuel tank that makes the most of the available space. There's no word about what will be powering this two-door city car when it hits Old-World dealers later this year and it's doubtful that we'll see the iQ squirting around a major American metropolis any time soon.
Toyota's Small IQ With the release of its iQ mini-car, Toyota is branching out in Europe
The Scirocco Is Back, But Not Here
In our April 2008 issue, we reported that Volkwagen had no plans to give US buyers the chance of acquiring the new Scirocco. After seeing it at the Geneva Motor Show, we're slightly disappointed, but equally relieved.The revived Scirocco is essentially a re-bodied GTI that's endured serious rhinoplasty, a lowered roof and a widened waistline. Touted as a 'practical sports car', the Scirocco blends a variety of advanced powertrain technologies with a spacious cabin and comes with VW's new transverse-mounted seven-speed DSG transmission. There will be a range of gasoline- and diesel-powered engines, including TSI versions, ranging in output from 122 to 200bhp. Sales will begin in Europe later this summer and will spread to other countries soon after, but this is one of the few times we're OK with something from across the pond avoiding US shores.
The Scirocco Is Back, But Not Here In our April 2008 issue, we reported that Volkwagen had

Greddy Performance Festival 2008
Following last year's ultra-successful garage sale, GReddy decided to up the ante for this year's late-February event, streamlining and re-organizing a few of the attractions. Relocating to the vast expanse of the former El Toro military base, GReddy lined up a car show, car meet area, vendor booths, the signature garage sale and a raffle with giveaways.The Drift Association also made the trip, setting up a full performance driving area, complete with an autocross course, drifting course and a course for ride-alongs with pro drivers like Taka Aono. Although admission to the event was free, there was a minimal charge for runs through the autocross and drift courses. Rookies and veterans took to the track, with many 240SXs, Corollas (GTS models) and Miatas sharing the pits with Lotus Exiges and Mazda RX-8s. Unfortunately, we didn't have time to sample the GReddy-tuned 350Z, S2000 or Evo IX on the autocross course, but we'll be back next year.
Greddy Performance Festival 2008 Following last year's ultra-successful garage sale, GRedd