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

2011 BMW Alpina B7 with 500HP to go on Sale in the U.S. this Spring

The Alpina-prepped B7 sedan will be returning to BMW's U.S. lineup this year offering American buyers an alternative to Mercedes-Benz's S-Class AMG models. Boasting a bevy of performance and styling upgrades over the standard 7-Series sedan, the Alpina B7 is probably the closest thing you'll get to an M7, which as you already know, BMW has no plans to build.

The second Alpina B7 to be sold in the States after the first generation model that was offered as a limited edition for the 2007 and 2008 model years, will be available in both short- and long-wheelbase models.

The formal introduction of the car in the U.S. will take place at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show in February, and go on sale in Spring of 2010.

BMW's official performance partner has fitted the B7 with a modified version of the Bavarian firm's twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine with direct-injection that delivers 500-horsepower (compared to the standard 750i's 400HP V8) and a hefty 516 lb-ft (700Nm) of torque.

Linked to a six-speed sport automatic transmission with Sport and Manual modes, the V8 unit accelerates the rear-wheel drive sedan from 0-60 mph (96 km/h) in just 4.5 seconds.

Alpina also recalibrated the car's Dynamic Damping Control and Active Roll Stabilization while the B7 sits 15mm lower up front and 10mm at the back thanks to the new, shorter springs. In addition, the Bavarian firm notes that the stability control now allows noticeably more slip at the driven wheels.

The B7 rides on newly styled 21-inch alloy wheels shod in MICHELIN PS2 tires size 245/35 R21 at the front and 285/30 R21 at the rear.

On the outside, the B7 is fitted with front and rear aprons, and a boot-lid spoiler which are said to reduce lift at the front by 30% and rear by15%.

As for the interior, the 7-Series-based model has been upgraded with blue illuminated door sill trims, an Alpina SWITCH-TRONIC steering wheel in hand-stitched LAVALINA leather, Black-Panel LCD screen instrument cluster branded with ALPINA and specific decorative trim. An additional ALPINA plaque indentifying the car is mounted on the inner roof panel just ahead of the sunroof

Prices for the new BMW Alpina B7 will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

Video and Live Photos of Transformers 2 Film Corvette Stingray Concept

Earlier today at the grand opening of the Chicago Auto Show, General Motors lifted the veil on its latest concept car, the Corvette Stingray that will play the role of 'SIDESWIPE' in the second iteration of the Transformer saga, called "Revenge of the Fallen". Unfortunately for Corvette fans, GM has no intention of building a production version of the concept, which is a pity as with the exception of the 'Batmobile-ish' rear-end, we found the Stingray's design quite sexy. Click through to see live photos of the Vette from the show as well as a video of the concept with GM Design Vice President, 'soft-talking' Ed-Welburn.

Lexus Launches F-Sport Accessories for IS Cabriolet & AWD, and GS Sedan

The Chicago Auto Show saw Lexus announcing the expansion of its F-Sport performance accessory line on the current generation GS luxury sport sedan, IS all-wheel drive (AWD), and the all-new IS C convertible coupe models. The performance orientated parts will include items such as 18- and 19-inch forged alloy wheels, brake upgrades, suspension systems, air intake, chassis braces, exhaust systems and more. Lexus said that the parts for these new models will be available for order at the firm's dealerships as early as June 1, 2009. Follow the jump for more details.

F-Sport 18 and 19-inch Forged Alloy Wheels

The F-Sport forged alloy wheels, exclusively designed in a dark graphite finish, not only add an aggressive look to the exterior, but help enhance performance through increased strength and decreased weight. The F-Sport wheels require the use of spline-drive lug nuts, which are included in the available Wheel Installation Kit.

F-Sport Front Brake Upgrade

The Front Brake Upgrade provides a firmer pedal feel and improved fade resistance in repeated severe-duty use. The Brake Upgrade features six-piston fixed calipers and drilled cast-iron rotors with a patented internal-fin design mounted on anodized aluminum hubs. Braided stainless-steel brake lines and low-dust performance brake pads are included, and the upgrade can be used with stock or the F-Sport Rear Brake Upgrade.

F-Sport Rear Brake Upgrade

Similar in construction to the F-Sport Front Brake Upgrade, the Rear Brake Upgrade uses four-piston fixed calipers and drilled cast-iron rotors. Braided stainless-steel brake lines and low-dust performance brake pads are also included. The Rear Brake Upgrade may only be used in conjunction with F-Sport Front Brake Upgrade.

F-Sport Shock Absorber Set

Developed in cooperation with Bilstein^® and available exclusively through the F-Sport Performance Accessory program, this shock-absorber set offers sport-tuned suspension dampening without sacrificing ride quality.

F-Sport Lowering Spring Set

This feature lowers the vehicle approximately one inch in the front and rear for a more aggressive appearance and a lower center of gravity. The spring set is engineered to deliver lowered ride height without bottoming out or creating a harsh ride. The sets will be specifically configured for each model and can be used with either the stock or F-Sport Shock Absorber Set.

F-Sport Sway Bar Set

The sway bar set includes larger diameter replacement front-and-rear sway bars that reduce body sway and flatten cornering. Oil-impregnated rubber bushings are also included to replace the original rubber bushings. Each vehicle's sway bar set is specifically configured to achieve the best performance.

F-Sport Rear Chassis Member Brace

To improve chassis stiffness under aggressive driving conditions and provide a more responsive feel during cornering, the F-Sport Rear Chassis Member Brace joins key rear-chassis and suspension mounting points through this tubular steel brace.

F-Sport Performance Exhaust System

This system features all stainless-steel construction with fully polished mufflers and double-wall exhaust tips. In addition to an outstanding appearance, it delivers a powerful, sport-tuned exhaust sound while complying with established sound-level standards and does not affect emissions compliance.

F-Sport Performance Air Intake

This low-restriction intake and filter assembly is fully compatible with stock engine controls and is emission legal in all 50 states.

F-Sport Carbon Fiber Engine Cover

Constructed from real carbon fiber, this light-weight, durable engine cover provides a high-tech appearance under the hood. This is a direct replacement for the original cover.

F-Sport Performance ClutchSet

The F-Sport Performance Clutch Set, available for the IS 250 and IS 250C equipped with the manual transmission, increases clamping force approximately 16 percent to handle higher torque capacity and provide improved feel.

F-Sport Quick Shifter

Engineered and machined from billet aluminum, the F-Sport Quick Shifter for the manual-transmission equipped IS 250 and IS 250C decreases shift throw by approximately 35 percent for quicker and more positive shifting.

F-Sport Shift Knob

Constructed from premium leather and genuine carbon fiber, F-Sport shift knobs are sporty and offer a comfortable curved shape. The manual knob is weighted to provide a sporty and more controlled feel while shifting. Both knobs are detailed with signature blue stitching and a silver F-Sport logo.

F-Sport Floor Mats

Made from the same high-quality 18 ounce nylon carpet as the factory mats, the four-piece set is available in black with a silver embroidered "F-Sport" logo.

2010 Acura TSX V6: Acura's Version of the Euro Honda Accord gets 280HP 3.5 V6

Acura finally decided to add a V6 option to its latest generation TSX model which as you probably already know, is sold in Europe as the Honda Accord. Unveiled for the first time today at the Chicago Auto Show, the most powerful version of the Acura's premium sports sedan is fitted with a 280-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 that's coupled to a Sequential SportShift automatic transmission with steering-wheel mounted F1-style paddle shifters. And no, Acura did not equip the TSX V6 with its four-wheel-drive system as it retains the 4-cylinder model's front-wheel drive layout.

The V6 powertrain also brought along a sportier suspension tuning along with 18-inch, five-spoke aluminum wheels, fit with Michelin Pilot all-season tires. To distingush it from the 4-cylinder variant, Acura slightly revised the TXS's front fascia and added a V6 badge on the trunk.

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe: R-Spec Model Announced, Coupe's Pricing Starts from $22,000

At the 2009 Chicago Auto Show, Hyundai not only announced pricing for its Genesis Coupe, but the Korean automaker also announced a new 'trimmed down' version of its rear-wheel-drive sportscar called "R-Spec". The latter is based on the 210HP 2.0-liter Turbo version of the Genesis Coupe and it is designed to appeal to enthusiasts who want a low starting price and the ability to tune their car to their own specifications.

When the Genesis Coupe begins to arrive at Hyundai dealerships later in the month, $22,000 will get you into a fairly well-equipped 210-horsepower, 2.0-liter, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine 2.0T model while $25,000 is the asking price for a base, 306-horsepower, 3.8-liter, V6 engine model.

The Genesis Coupe R-Spec that is priced at $23,750 or $3,000 less than the 2.0T Track model, adds a series of performance orientated goodies such as track-tuned suspension, 19-inch gunmetal-finish alloy wheels with performance summer tires, Brembo braking system, Torsen limited-slip differential, and R-Spec badging.

In order to keep the price low and at the same time, reduce weight, Hyundai eliminated some non-essential comfort features like the Bluetooth, automatic headlights, cruise control, trip computer, chrome interior accents and steering wheel audio controls. The R-Spec will be available in three exteriors colors: Karussell White, Bathurst Black and Tsukuba Red.

2010 Genesis Coupe Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Pricing

Model	Engine	Package	Transmission	MSRP
Genesis Coupe 2.0T	2.0-liter turbo 4-cyl.		Six-Speed Manual	$22,000
Genesis Coupe 2.0T	2.0-liter turbo 4-cyl.		Five-Speed A/T SHIFTRONIC®	$23,250
Genesis Coupe 2.0T	2.0-liter turbo 4-cyl.	Premium	Six-Speed Manual	$24,250
Genesis Coupe 2.0T	2.0-liter turbo 4-cyl.	Premium	Five-Speed A/T SHIFTRONIC®	$25,500
Genesis Coupe 2.0T	2.0-liter turbo 4-cyl.	Track	Six-Speed Manual	$26,750
Genesis Coupe 2.0T	2.0-liter turbo 4-cyl.	R-Spec *	Six-Speed Manual	$23,750
Genesis Coupe 3.8	3.8-liter V6		Six-Speed Manual	$25,000
Genesis Coupe 3.8	3.8-liter V6		ZF Six-Speed A/T SHIFTRONIC®	$26,500
Genesis Coupe 3.8	3.8-liter V6	Grand Touring	Six-Speed Manual	$27,500
Genesis Coupe 3.8	3.8-liter V6	Grand Touring	ZF Six-Speed A/T SHIFTRONIC®	$29,000
Genesis Coupe 3.8	3.8-liter V6	Track	Six-Speed Manual	$29,500
Genesis Coupe 3.8	3.8-liter V6	Track	ZF Six-Speed A/T SHIFTRONIC®	$31,000