Lexus LFA: Early Customer Interest Exceeds Production Numbers (You don't Say...)

To no one's surprise, in the three months that have passed since the official introduction of the LFA at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 2009, the number of formal expressions of interest in purchasing the $375,000 V10 supercar is already far greater than the limited production run of only 500 examples, Toyota's subsidiary announced today.

Lexus said that it will continue to accept "formal expressions of interest" up to mid-March. At that point though, the 500 LFAs will be allocated across the 56 countries where they are on sale, with confirmed orders with deposits to be invited from the end of May.

Devshi Varshani, the Personal Liaison Manager who looks after all LFA sales, said: "The level of interest we have witnessed reinforces just what an exceptional car the LFA is. Even though few people have even seen the car in the metal, let alone experienced its breathtaking performance, it has quickly achieved the status of a truly rare and highly sought-after machine."

The Japanese automaker's first-ever supercar is powered by a mid-front mounted 4.8-litre V10 engine that churns out 552bhp for a zero to 62mph (100km/h) sprint time of just 3.7 seconds and a maximum velocity of 325 km/h or 202 mph.

One more 2010 Camaro-Based Pontiac Trans Am Conversion

Not surprisingly, Pontiac's demise has spurred an interest in the creation of Trans Am replicas based on the new Chevrolet Camaro. We remind you that we've already seen a conceptual proposal for a modern-day Pontiac Trans Am from ASC Creative Services and real-life examples from Lingenfelter and Trans Am Depot.

The latest company to join the list of tuners interested in creating a Trans Am replica is a company called Gearhead Performance Group.

Along with the cosmetic upgrades that include new front and rear fascias complete with unique lights, 21- or 22-inch snowflake wheels, a large rear spoiler and gold interior accents (...), the tuner claims that it will offer an optional twin-turbo LS9 V8 with some 900 horsepower.

Source: Gearhead Performance , Via: Autoblog.com

Kia Ray Hybrid Sport Sedan Concept Teaser Leaked, Will Debut in Chicago

A teaser shot of what is said to be the Kia Ray concept car has made its way onto the interwebs. According to the folks over at Insideline that broke the story, the sporty-shaped sedan was penned at Kia's American design studio and it's supposed to hint at a possible design direction for a plug-in hybrid vehicle.

Unless Kia decides to share some info with us, we'll have to wait for the 2010 Chicago Auto Show that runs for the public from February 12 to 21 to find out more about the company's latest concept model.

Via: Insideline

Full Carbon Nissan GT-R with 600HP+ Upgrade by Original Runduce

The sketch you see pictured above represents a new tuning proposal for the Nissan GT-R R35 from Japan's Original Runduce that will certainly capture the attention of enthusiasts. The full carbon-fiber bodied GT-R will come with an overly aggressive aero kit bundling wider front and rear fenders, a new hood with several air vents and a larger rear wing plus different alloy wheels just to mention a few of the upgrades.

Original Runduce is keeping most details secret for the time being, but the Japanese tuning firm did reveal that the pumped up GT-R R35 will benefit from numerous engine mods that will lift output to over 600 horsepower.

The finished Nissan GT-R R35 is expected to make its debut at next month's "Tokyo Auto Salon 2010" in Japan.

The Female Side of the 2010 Detroit Motor Show

We could waste your time blabbing about booth professionals and their relation to automakers and car shows just to fill up a few lines here, but we all know that you've already skipped the break to check out the ladies. If not, what are you waiting for, seriously...

2010 Chevrolet Camaro Sunergy: Limited Production Version Inspired by SEMA Show Concept

As promised at the SEMA show last November, General Motors announced the launch of a special edition version of the 2010 Camaro that's distinguished by a never-before available, unique green hue. The Synergy Green exterior color was first previewed at the 2009 SEMA show with a concept model.

The limited edition production car is based on 2010 Chevrolet Camaro 1LT powered by a 304HP 3.6-liter V6 coupled with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. It will be produced in limited quantities from February to May with pricing starting at $26,790.

In production form, the special edition Camaro's unique Synergy Green finish is accented by Cyber Grey Rally Stripes running the length of the hood and rear deck while other exterior features include a rear spoiler and standard 19 inch, Sterling Silver painted wheels wrapped with P245/50R19 tires.

The same color scheme is found on the interior, with Synergy Green instrument panel and door inserts. Furthermore, Synergy Green stitching accents the Jet Black cloth seats, steering wheel, shift knob and center console.

The Special Edition model also gets the Camaro Convenience and Connectivity Package, with Bluetooth phone connectivity, USB port for MP3 players, and remote vehicle start for models equipped with an automatic transmission, fitted as standard.

Those that found the concept model alluring, can further modify the production Camaro Sunergy with a ground effects kit, 21 inch alloy wheels with a black center finish and polished rim and a performance air intake, all of which are offered through Chevy dealers.

The only parts from the concept car that are not offered by Chevy are the Pedders coil-over lowering kit, larger Brembo brakes and high wing rear spoiler.


2010 Camaro Sunergy Limited Edition

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2010 Camaro Sunergy SEMA Concept

New Renault Megane Coupe-Cabriolet Teased

Renault today revealed the first teaser photograph of its new Megane Coupe-Cabriolet model that will break cover at the Geneva Motor Show on March 2, 2010 The only piece of information released by the French automaker is that the new Megane CC will keep its predecessor's foldaway glass top.

>The shady picture doesn't tell us much about the four-seater convertible's looks but expect to see similar styling cues to the rest of the new Megane's range.

here won't be any surprises under the hood as the engine lineup will be carried over from the hatchback and coupe models including the 1.6-liter 110HP, 2.0-liter 140hp and the turbocharged TCe 180HP petrol units.

The new CC, which will join the Megane hatchback, coupe and Sport Tourer models, will compete against other C-Segment hardtop convertibles like the Ford Focus CC and Volkswagen Eos.

Honda Showcases New Low Cost City Car in India, Production Model to Follow in 2011

The New Small Concept is Honda's proposal for a low-cost five-door hatchback in booming emerging markets such as India and it was introduced today at the Auto Expo 2010 in New Delhi. Honda was quite secretive about the five-seater supermini's underpinnings and mechanical hardware, but the company did reveal that it is planning to introduce a new model based on this concept sometime in 2011.

The supermini will initially be sold in India and in Thailand, though it has been reported that the vehicle is engineered to be a global car so don't be surprised if the small Honda makes its way in certain Western markets.

It goes without saying that the series model's styling will be toned down a notch or two compared to the concept, though some features such as the hidden rear-door handles could make it into production.