Lotus 125 track car to debut at Pebble Beach

Lotus Evora Cup – Click above for high-res image gallery

Lotus will be more active than usual during next week's festivities around the Monterey historic races and Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. Along with the North American Debuts of the Evora Cup race car (above) and Elise RGB edition, Lotus will give us the world debut of the 125 track car.

The new 125 will be unveiled at the Monterey Motorsports Pre-Reunion at Laguna Seca this weekend and then reappear several times during the week at various events. Lotus hasn't given any hints of what to expect from the 125 other than it will be the ultimate customer track and racing experience. Stay tuned next week as we'll share all the details as soon as we have them.

2011 Scion tC to start

2011 Scion tC – Click above for high-res image gallery

In case you missed it, Scion tossed us the keys to its new 2011 tC coupe and we dutifully put it through its paces out in San Diego and wrote up a First Drive report. You should read it. But if you won't, here's one salient bit of data that we thought was worth sharing again: $18,275.

Yep, you guessed it. That's the starting price of the 2011 Scion tC, and don't forget to tack on another $720 for destination. Buyers who'd rather let the six-speed automatic do the shifting for them will need to shell out an additional grand over the standard six-speed manual. We'd advise sticking with the manual, but we know 70 percent of buyers will disagree...

Want one? Scion promises the 2011 tC will hit dealerships on October 1st, so you'd best start saving your pennies now.

Mansory's Bugatti Veyron Linea Vincero d'Oro maxes out the gold card

Bugatti Veyron by Mansory Linea Vincero d'Oro – Click above for high-res image gallery

We know what you've been thinking: All the Bugatti Veyron needs is a little more flash. Are we good, or are we good? Anathematic as the thought might be to some, there are others on this planet who are always looking for another way to show off their wealth, instead of hiding it in offshore accounts. And for those flashy few, there is Mansory.

Along with such gaudy monstrosities as the Pepto-pink Bentley and the Polo Sport-on-acid Porsche Panamera, Mansory has modified the Veyron with the Linea Vincero range of accessories, including a full aero kit (in case the Volkswagen empire hadn't invested enough in getting the Veyron's aerodynamics just right) and highly polished carbon-fiber body panels that include copper threads interwoven into the material for even more flash. The Vincero d'Oro, unbelievably, upgrades with gold brightwork on the wheels, V-shaped grille, door handles, mirror housings, fuel filler cap, headlight washer nozzles, headlight surrounds and roof. Naturally, the interior has been subjected to the gilded treatment as well.

The good news is that Mansory has only created the one example. The bad news is that they'll gladly perform the same on any existing Veyron. It's at times like these we're glad we don't live in Dubai. Details in the press release after the jump, high-resolution images in the gallery below.

Scion iQ to hit dealerships in March 2011

2011 Scion iQ – Click above for high-res image gallery

We've all heard the rhetoric about how small cars are primed to be big sellers over the next few years, and nobody seems to be responding to that direction sooner than Toyota. The Japanese automaker is getting ready to challenge the diminutive Smart Fortwo here in the United States with the Scion iQ, and we've just been told by Toyota representatives to expect it to hit dealer showrooms around March of next year.

Unlike its main competitor, the iQ sports a unique 3+1 seating arrangement that will allow three real-sized human beings to fit in the car with an extra spot for a munchkin or car seat. Scion also promises that its micro car will boast real storage capacity, which is an important factor if people have any inkling to use their urban runabout as a second car.

Expect a price somewhere in the vicinity of the Fortwo when the iQ hits the streets early next year.

Novitec Tridente supercharges the Maserati Quattroporte

Maserati Quattroporte by Novitec Tridente – Click above for high-res image gallery

Used to be – not so long ago, even – that if you wanted something exotic and sporty with four doors, your choices were largely limited to the Maserati Quattroporte. Maybe the Bentley Continental Flying Spur, if your budget and tastes veered more towards the statesmanly. But these days, buyers have more choices in the form of the Porsche Panamera, Aston Martin Rapide and even the Jaguar XJ Supercharged. And while Maserati reportedly has a pair of new QPs in the works, for those still enamored with the current model but hoping for a little extra kick, Novitec Tridente has something in store for you.

Novitec who, you ask? The Dutch tuning firm massages all manner of Italian automobiles – like the Alfa 159 and Fiat 500, for example – under its unadorned name, but may be more familiar to exotic car aficionados under the Novitec Rosso label, the division that tunes Ferrari models. A couple of years ago, the company launched a unit dedicated to tuning Maseratis, and these are its latest releases.

The upgrade package can be fitted to either the Quattroporte S or the top-of-the-line Quattroporte GT S, bolting a supercharger, intercooler, new intake manifold and fuel injectors and a remapped ECU to the 4.7-liter V8 to boost output up to 590 horsepower, a stout 160 and 150-horse boost over stock, respectively. A new, electronically adjustable sport suspension is also fitted with 21-inch modular wheels and Pirelli P Zero rubber, along with some discreet aero bits and a variety of interior upgrade options. The result? Try 0-62 mph in 4.6 seconds and a 183 mph top tend. Details in the press release after the jump and photos in the high-res image gallery below.

Tesla reports second-quarter loss of $38.5 million

Tesla Model S – Click above for high-res image gallery

Tesla has reported its first earnings statement as a public company and, not surprisingly, the numbers don't exactly paint a rosy portrait. The company announced that while it managed to bring in revenue around $28.4 million, it lost $38.5 million. That loss marks the second such dip in earnings for the company this year, though analysts are saying that the drop in cash flow is to be expected. The company just handed over $42 million to purchase a manufacturing facility for the Model S, and odds are the company will continue to funnel money into the structure as we get closer to the EV sedan's production date.

Speaking of the Model S, it's likely that a fair portion of the company's funds are being shoveled into development of this second Tesla model. With those two hefty projects on the company's plate, odds are we won't see the electric vehicle manufacturer turn a profit for some time – possibly until after the end of this year. The news doesn't seem to have had too much of a negative impact on the company's stock price, though. As of this writing, TSLA stock was still at $20.18 – down around a dollar from opening.

Post-bankruptcy GM has added nearly 7,000 jobs

The Detroit Free Press is reporting that General Motors has added a total of 6,900 jobs since the automaker emerged from bankruptcy in 2009. The news came out of a radio interview with Steve Girsky, GM vice president. Girsky said that a portion of that figure is made up of workers who were originally laid off as part of the restructuring process and then later recalled as manufacturing picked back up. Of the nearly 7,000 jobs, 1,100 are situated in Michigan. GM has recently increased its workforce at its Delta Township and Brownstown Township facilities, amongst others.

The company has also hired around 2,800 workers at its Canadian operations as well. GM is set to release its financial statement for the most recent business quarter later this month, and Girsky says that the numbers continue to demonstrate a company on the mend. Last quarter, the company posted a $865 million profit.

While the addition of nearly 7,000 jobs is a good milestone for GM, it's important to bear in mind that the figure marks a little more than a sixth of the workers laid off during restructuring.

Cadillac SRX scores Top Safety Pick from IIHS

2010 Cadillac SRX IIHS testing – Click above for high-res image gallery

When it comes to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's crash rating system, earning a score of "Good" is the best any automaker can hope for. And if a vehicle receives a score of "Good" for front, side, rear and and rollover crash protection and the vehicle has standard electronic stability control that car, truck or SUV becomes an IIHS Top Safety Pick. The 2010 Cadillac SRX became the 15th midsize SUV to be awarded with the desirable designation after the hot-selling crossover passed the rollover crash protection test with flying colors. The SRX had already received a "Good" score for its performance in the other crash tests.

The current government standard for roof safety is that it needs to be able to support 1.5 times the overall vehicle weight. The roof of the SRX proved to be able to hold 4.14 times its weight, nearly tripling the standards required by the feds. The IIHS tests roof strength by pushing a metal plate against one corner of the roof at a constant rate of speed. The maximum force sustained by the roof before the roof collapses by five inches is compared to the vehicle weight to determine the strength-to-weight ratio. Hit the jump to read over the IIHS presser.

SV Motors head indicted for investment fraud

SV Motors 9 Competizione – Click above for high-res image gallery

Exactly a year ago today, we got our first real-life glimpse of the SV Motors 9 Competizione, an American/Italian mash-up built atop the C6 Chevrolet Corvette and coated in custom carbon fiber coachwork. 365 days later and the dream has turned into a nightmare.

Joseph Viloa (aka Giuseppe Viola), a 58-year-old investment consultant based in San Francisco, CA and the man behind SV Motors, has reportedly been indicted by a federal grand jury on aggravated identity theft, mail and wire fraud. In the process, he allegedly bilked victims for around $7 million – two million of which went into the design and production of the SV 9. And this wasn't the first time he's run afoul of the law.

Viloa was previous convicted of fraud, serving five years in Arizona, and is currently behind bars in Maricopa County where he's awaiting trial for another fraud case from 1990. His latest round of illegal escapades reportedly ran from 2004 to 2010, during which he may have defrauded at least 60 investors.

From what we can gather, only a handful of SV 9s were produced, so assuming the Feds get their conviction, the only time you'll see a Competizione is at the occasional auto show and – yes – as Lafayette's ride in True Blood re-runs. Top tippage Brian!

Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari

Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari – Click above for high-res image gallery

How much would you be willing to pay for a Fiat 500? Fifteen grand? Twenty? Thirty? How about nearly $50,000. That's how much the crème-de-la-crème Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari is going for now that it's reaching the market.

For a quick refresher, the special-edition 500 was unveiled almost a year ago at the Frankfurt Motor Show. It packs a 180-horsepower 1.4-liter 16-valve turbocharged four-pot, beefed-up suspension, wheels and brakes and a special paint scheme inspired by its big brother, the Ferrari 430 Scuderia. A scant 152 examples are being produced in right-hand drive for the British market, and each is carrying a whopping price tag of £29,600, or about $47k in American greenbacks.

Now the 695 Tributo Ferrari may be the ultimate manifestation of the Fiat 500 to date. It may even be the next best thing to a Ferrari, though we doubt it. But is it worth $47,000? Fiat will surely sell the entire production run, but then "value" isn't the objective value it once was. Check out the press release after the jump, images in the twin galleries below and weigh in with your own thoughts.

2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT: Heading to shop for recall inspection

2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT – Click above for high-res image gallery

Truth be told, our long-term 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT has been running like a top from day one with not a single issue arising that has required a trip to the dealer for repair. We did get her oil changed around 5,000 miles, though we had to skip the dealer experience since we were pressed for time and they couldn't squeeze us in on short notice. But there are some recalls in effect for the 2010 Legacy, three to be exact, so we made our first appointment at Ganley Westside Subaru in North Olmsted, OH to have our 2.5GT inspected.

Kudos to Ganley for making the experience as painless as possible, as well as accommodating a very late cancellation and rescheduling. Upon arrival, they took the keys and put our 2.5GT in the air on one of six lifts in their service area.

Of the three recalls in effect for the Subaru Legacy, only one affects our particular car. It's for a bundle of wires in the steering column that could crack and cause certain functions to stop working. If that happened, the problem could manifest itself as the horn not working or something more severe like the driver's front airbag failing to deploy in an accident.

Our car was inspected and deemed roadworthy with no repair needed. The dealership also let us know that Subaru Service Program WVP26 affects our car. Apparently some units were shipped with cracked covers for their anti-lock braking ECU modules, so the action has dealers inspect and replace the affected part if needed. Again, ours was looked at and showed no such issues.

We were in and out in less than an hour and the total cost was $0, so our trip to the dealer went off without a hitch and our long-term Legacy carries on trouble-free. Stay tuned for a report on what we did during our summer vacation with the long-term Legacy, which included logging over 2,000 miles traveling through a beautiful part of the country that's absolutely obsessed with crab.

Chrome-dipped Mercedes SLS AMG shines at German GP

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 chromed by Laureus – Click above for high-res image gallery

Is nothing sacred? We've seen all manner of chromed-out Mercedes, from the SLR McLaren to a C63 (and more than we care to remember in between), but some things ought to be left alone. If the SLS AMG weren't enough to warrant exclusion from this most Middle Eastern of practices, we'd have hope at least that the GT3 racing version would be. We'd hope, but we'd be wrong.

The example you see here was rolled out by the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, an organization that promotes athletics as a remedy to youth issues. The foundation is supported by Mercedes-Benz, among other sponsors, and the livery is also featured on a DTM C-Class touring car. Offset by the red accents, the bright finish "mirrors" that of McLaren's F1 cars, which remain powered by Mercedes engines, though the automaker has switched its patronage to its own team this season.

The car was displayed during the German Grand Prix a couple of weeks ago at Hockenheim, the only place where it stood a decent chance of not standing out. At least it was for a good cause.

World's most expensive car now on display at the Mullin Automotive Museum

1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic at the Mullin Automotive Museum - Click above for high-res image gallery

Back in May history was made when an unnamed buyer shelled out a record $30-$40 million for a 1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic. Regarded as one of the most beautiful cars in the world, this particular 57SC Atlantic is just one of three built and one of only two still in existence. The sale, done through the Gooding & Company auction house, is the second time this exact car exchanged hands for a record sum. The previous owner, Dr. Peter Williamson, purchased the car in 1971 for the unheard of price of $59,000. The car competed in the 2003 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and was easily declared the Best of Show.

While the 57SC Atlantic rarely made public appearances outside prestigious concours events, the Mullin Automotive Museum has announced that they will have the car on display at its Oxnard, CA facility starting on August 10th. "I am honored to have the opportunity to display the Bugatti Atlantic at our Art Deco museum," said Peter Mullin. "In the historic pantheon of automobiles the Atlantic is without peer."

Those interested in seeing the car in person can head over to the museum's web site. Tickets must be purchased in advance for select viewing days. Follow the jump for the full press release.

FireBreather now available from Classic Design Concepts

Classic Design Concepts Firebreather – Click above for high-res image gallery

Good news, Poncho fans: the Classic Design Concepts Firebreather is officially on sale. If you were one of the many souls whose minds immediately leapt to thoughts of a resurrected Firebird when GM first introduced the Chevrolet Camaro Concept way back in 2006, you're probably a bit bitter about the fact GM kicked Pontiac to the curb before that dream every came to life. Fortunately, Classic Design Concepts stepped in to fill the void in a big way. The Firebreather takes some of the more iconic elements of the Firebird's history and melds them with the already muscular lines of Chevrolet's pony bruiser.

In addition to the creative body work, the car packs a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 that manages to dump 599 horsepower onto the rear tires and the Classic Design Concepts team also took the time to work over the interior with a few Firebird-like design elements. If you absolutely need one to scratch that insatiable Pontiac itch, get out your check book: The company is asking a big ol' $60,000 for the privilege. We'll tell you whether its worth it when drive the Firebreather next week.

2011 Chevrolet Volt has knock sensor, can run on regular gas

2011 Chevrolet Volt – Click above for high-res image gallery

When General Motors announced pricing for the 2011 Chevrolet Volt last week, one new technical detail grabbed some attention. Vehicle line director Tony Posawatz was apparently the first exec to mention to the press that the range-extending engine in the Volt had been calibrated to run on premium gasoline.

There have been some question about what happens if you put regular gas in the tank and whether that would damage the engine. GM powertrain spokesman Tom Read confirmed to Autoblog that the Volt's 1.4-liter inline-four is equipped with a block-mounted knock sensor like virtually every other modern engine. The engine is calibrated for premium with extra spark advance to optimize the efficiency and output of the engine. If regular gas is used, the knock sensor will adjust the spark advance to prevent engine damage. Premium gas also reportedly has a longer shelf life than regular, which could be an issue for Volt drivers who maximize their plug-in's electric capability by using as little gasoline as possible.

Fortune Motorsports Honda CR-Z coming to SEMA

We're bracing ourselves for the onslaught of tuned Honda CR-Z hybrids coming to this year's SEMA show. Honda has been hawking the hatch as a legitimate successor to the fabled CRX – a car that helped to push a whole generation of wrenches toward Japanese sheetmetal – and shops the world over have been champing at the bit to wring a little more power out of the seemingly anemic newcomer. The kids at Fortune Motorsports have been the first out of the gate with an up-skirt teaser for their take on Honda's hybrid hatch.

Not surprisingly, the crew hasn't released any details on their creation. We do know that the build will work in parts from the likes of ADV.1 Wheels, Falken Tires, Status Racing, Magnaflow and the neon fiends at StreetGlow. You can head over to the Fortune Motorsports site for a full list of the car's sponsors, or you can click over to Warren Shim-Quee's site to keep track of the build up.

Top Gear and the Ferrari 458 Italia

Top Gear reviews the Ferrari 458 Italia – Click above to watch video after the jump

Jeremy Clarkson has got his hands on a Ferrari 458 Italia, and his particular take on the coupe involves a comparison to the venerable 308, a drag race with James May's personal F430, Clarkson opening his heart to flappy paddles, a "humiliation" and of course, a lap with The Stig. All that and more is a click away, so follow the jump to get watching. Hat tip to Tyler!

All-electric Saab 9-3 test fleet reportedly to launch in early 2011

During a media launch for the 2011 Saab 9-5, company executives revealed plans to introduce a test fleet of electric vehicles based on the upcoming 9-3. As Inside Line reports, Saab execs confirmed that the test fleet of EVs will roll out in early 2011 and will be deployed at various locations across the globe, including Saab's hometown of Trollhattan, Sweden.

Saab's "100 percent electric vehicle" test fleet is a joint effort between the automaker, lithium ion battery producer Boston-Power, electric propulsion systems manufacturer Electroengine and the Swedish Energy Authority. Saab Automobile AB managing director Jan Ake Jonsson said:

The main purpose is to draw technology from this test fleet, technology that we can then incorporate quickly. The key target short-term is to drive fuel consumption down. You can electrify certain portions of the vehicle.

When prodded about a target release date for a mass-production EV, Jonsson ducked out by stating:

Everybody is looking at that question. Nobody has an answer. It will take some time.

Without official word from Jonsson, we'll have to fall back on the previous comments of Saab's chief executive officer Victor Muller, who suggested that 2016 is the year the company will go for electrification.

Indy Car offers fans a chance to design 2012 aero kits

2012 IndyCar Concepts – Click above for high-res image gallery

The Indy Racing League announced a "new"chassis for the 2012 season, but left open the possibility for other companies to design the "clothes" that chassis will wear. The hope was that some new names will enter the running if the teams only have to spend development dollars on the aero bits rather than designing and building a whole car. So far names like Boeing, Honda and Lotus have been mentioned, but there could be dozens of entries by the time the 2012 season starts. Would you like to add your own name to that list? The IRL has posted several renderings of the new Indy Safety Cell and is allowing you to post your designs in a gallery for all the world to see. The top design could make some hitherto unknown graphic artist famous.

You can click over to the IndyCar website to get more details or check out our gallery to download the renderings and get started on your 2012 IndyCar. The basic chassis will still be built by Dallara, which is going to open a new plant right alongside the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It will be sold to teams for a fraction of what the current chassis costs, but the teams will also have to buy a new engine and bodywork to complete the package. The whole setup will still cost teams far less than in the past, with the hopes that more businesses will find it affordable to enter the 2012 IRL championship... and save open-wheel U.S. racing in the process.

Hyundai Avante captured on the roads of South Korea

Hyundai Avante – Click above for high-res image gallery or follow the jump to watch the video

The trickle becomes a stream as more materials on the Hyundai Avante sedan are released. We can now confirm that what is likely to become the 2011 Hyundai Elantra on our shores will have the presence to set itself apart in an ever-improving small-car crowd.

If the specs carry over as well, the next Elantra will be about three inches longer than the Ford Focus sedan and nearly as powerful, down by two horsepower and 15 pound-feet. On the other hand, it will get Fiesta-like gas mileage, returning 40 mpg with the manual and 39 mpg with the automatic. You can check out the pics and the specs in the high-res gallery below, and check out B-roll footage of the car after the jump. Top tip, Joseph and APJ!