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Porsche has announced the 911 GT3 R. Based on the GT3 Cup S, it is powered by a 480-horsepower, 4.0-liter flat-six. Porsche promises better driveability and easier handling than its predecessor, thanks to ABS, traction control, and throttle blip, making it “more appropriate for the ambitious amateur racing driver.”

The 911 GT3 R is scheduled to debut on January 14, 2010 at the Birmingham Motor Show. It is priced at the current equivalent of $414,950.

See it in the gallery above, or read the press release below.

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-Palm Springs, California

We're fresh from the driver's seat of the newest addition to the Lancer Evo fast family, the mildly more grown up MR Touring model. Mitsubishi has got a lot happening at its event in Palm Springs, California this afternoon (stay tuned for much more from this desert trip in coming days), but we felt we'd be remiss if we didn't check in with a few quick thoughts about the new Evo.

CLICK HERE to continue reading this review.

These four hatchbacks are up to something, and we aim to find out what. See how these four fiery hatches behave when we bring them together to see who is the hottest. Plus, don’t miss all the other great content in this issue of Winding Road, including:

- 2010 BMW 5-Series GT
- 2010 Aston Martin Rapide
- Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
- Honda Fit vs. Smart ForTwo
- Living History: BMW M5 at the Nürburgring
- $40K Alternatives: Hyundai Genesis vs. Acura TL SH-AWD vs. Ford Taurus SHO
- SEMA 2009

This issue is packed with much, much more, so check it out in one of our two formats.

CLICK HERE to read this issue in our online viewer.
CLICK HERE to download an ad-free PDF from NextNewsStand.

And don't forget, you can buy a full subscription to Winding Road by clicking here. One year of ad-free, downloadable PDFs can be yours for the low, low price of only $4.99.

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Not long ago, we sampled a tuned-up version of the BMW 335i in the form of the Dinan S1, and in our non-track test, we actually preferred the hot S1 to that of BMW's already good M3 Coupe.

Tuner ATT Autotechnik has put its spin on the BMW 335i Convertible and the simple modifications are enough to give it a different sort of edge over the stock droptop M3. For starters, power has been boosted to 356 horsepower and 388 pound-feet of torque. And while that may be 58 less horsepower than an M3, the ATT example produces 93 more pound-feet of torque out of the twin-turbocharged inline-six engine. We've discussed the joys of turbo thrust and torque power before, and in some cases actually prefer it to larger-displacement, naturally aspirated mills (though the M3's V-8 is one hell of a good engine), so it looks like this steroid-enhanced 335i cabrio might offer more interesting dynamics for everyday driving.

Other changes include a sharp set of twenty-inch wheels and stainless steel exhaust, giving it a more subdued overall appearance than a comparable M3. Like the Dinan, we can easily see the Doppelturbo-Cabriolet being a more interesting steer than the M-badged Bimmer on the street, but as a track performer, it's hard to say. Click through the post for ATT Autotechnik's press release.

+ Autoblog: ATT Autotechnik drops BMW 335i Doppelturbo-Cabriolet

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Lotus has released U.S. pricing for the 2010 Evora. And the magic number is:

$73,500.

Not bad for a 2+2, mid-engine Lotus with a 276-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6, delivering upwards of 30 miles per gallon highway.

The 2010 Lotus Evora will go on sale in the U.S. during the first quarter of next year. In the meantime, two Evoras are traveling to dealerships across the country for open houses (details follow in the press release).

See it in the above gallery, or scroll down for the press release from Lotus.

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At long last, a hardcore, track-ready version of the latest BMW M3 Coupe has been released, set to go on sale in the Spring of 2010. But unlike the M3 CSLs of the E46 generation, this new M3 GTS is significantly lighter, more powerful, and has a long list of track-friendly upgrades.

Under the hood, the standard 4.0-liter V-8's displacement has been increased to 4.4 liters, meaning output has been increased from 414 to 450 horsepower. All of that shove is being routed to the rear wheels via BMW's M DKG Drivelogic dual-clutch gearbox, though the characteristics have been specially tuned to match the GTS's extra power and performance.

Power upgrades are one thing, but when it comes to track cars, lightness is key. The M3 GTS weighs slightly less than 3300 pounds, and while that may seem pretty porky, remember that the standard M3 Coupe is around 400 pounds heavier. What's more, the GTS uses a heavily upgraded suspension and high-performance brakes, along with special nineteen-inch wheels. Naturally, another strong point of the GTS's performance is in its aerodynamics, and with just a quick glance at this car, it's easy to see that the aero design is heavily based on World Touring Car Championship vehicles, like the 320si.

We're putting on our Pilotis and helmets in anticipation of a track day with this hot little number. No word on pricing has been released at this time, but for the full details, click through the post to read BMW's press release.

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Oh, the Porsche Boxster. As we recently reaffirmed in our latest comparison test, the little two-seat roadster from Porsche is one of our favorite topless road cars, and now there's more to love. The much-anticipated Boxster Spyder won't make its official debut until December 2nd at the Los Angeles Auto Show, but the details and images have already leaked out ahead of time.

This lightweight, hardcore version of the Boxster starts with the well-received 3.4-liter, direct-injection flat-six engine, though power has been increased by 10 horsepower for a new total of 320. Combined with Porsche's PDK gearbox and Sport Chrono package, the Spyder will jaunt from a stand-still to 60 miles per hour in just 4.6 seconds and will do 166 mph flat out (with the roof off, of course). "Roof," though, is a figurative term with the Spyder, as the Boxster's standard folding lid has been replaced with a lightweight soft top that acts as more of a sunshade than anything else.

Other modifications include a special sport suspension which lowers the ride height by twenty millimeters, a standard limited-slip differential, and exclusive wheels. Aluminum door skins and lightweight interior door panels (from the GT3 RS) aid in reducing the Spyder's weight by 176 pounds over the standard Boxster S, and with a lower center of gravity, we're confident in saying that this thing will be well-suited for hot laps at your local track.

Look for the Boxster Spyder to hit U.S. showrooms in February of 2010 with a starting MSRP of $61,200. Click through the post to read the official press release from Porsche.

As it stands, the BMW 135i is a potent little machine with its 300-horsepower, twin-turbocharged inline-six. But what about an M version? Sources inside of BMW are now reporting that a 1-Series M might not be too far off, and that the M1 moniker could possibly be brought back, much to the dismay of original M1 enthusiasts.

Speculation suggests that a new M-badged 1-Series would use the same twin-turbo six as the 135i but that power could be increased to around 330 horsepower. A source at BMW's M division says, "We're looking at ways to attract new customers to the brand, and an entry-level model is part of those plans." Naturally, a new "M1" would be priced under the current M3, so the mid-$40K price range is probably as good a guess as any.

Consider our interest piqued.

+ RPMgo.com: BMW to create M model based on 1 Series, might bring M1 badge back

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As if the too-hot Roush 427R wasn't enough, the much-loved tuning company has now put another spin on the 2010 Mustang. As for appearance, this one is much more tame and subtle than some of the cleft-chinned 'Stangs we've driven, but don't let its looks fool you. The supercharger under this Mustang's hood bumps up power to a GT500-matching 540 ponies, and with suspension tweaking on hand, this latest Roush will surely be a hit for muscle car enthusiasts.

Scoot on over to our Ask It forum post and let us know what burning questions you have about the newest Roush creation. We'll be on hand to respond, as well as post driving impressions throughout the week.

+ NextAutos Forums: Ask It: 2010 Roush 540RH

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The German Lamborghini tuner, IMSA, has created the IMSA GTV, based on the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4.

Besides adding a carbon fiber body kit, upgraded interior, and new wheels, the IMSA GTV gets an adjustable suspension and stainless steel sport exhaust system. The peak output is now about 582 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque.

More detailed information follows in the press release below.  Click through the image gallery above.

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Here, we see the successor to the Ferrari 612, which we saw once before earlier this year. This test mule has a longer wheelbase than the 612, which could mean more passenger volume, or Ferrari could be making room for a KERS system. It also has the over/under style tailpipes.

Our photographer also offers the possibility of Ferrari’s four-wheel-drive system, compatible with front- and mid-engine vehicles.

Interestingly, the stickers on the steering wheel warn that the engine should only be started with the hood closed.

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We’re making our lists a little early this year, as Tesla can only promise delivery of our custom Roadster by the end of the year if you order today (October 28) by eight o’clock Eastern.

Oh, and if you live in Colorado, you may be eligible for a $42,000 tax credit.

Still can’t justify it? A subscription to Winding Road also makes a great gift for discriminating drivers.

+ Tesla: Last Call For Holiday Deliveries

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After many, many rounds of spy shots, the final details and production images have been released of the much-anticipated Lexus LFA supercar, which will have a limited production run of 500 units and will be sold for -- get ready -- $375,000. (Start saving your pennies.)

The details on this thing are nothing short of supercar stock, though its front-engine, rear-drive configuration is a change of pace from the Audis and Lambos that we've learned to love. Still, having 560 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque is nothing to frown at, especially in a car that only weighs 3263 pounds and revs up to a screaming redline of 9000 rpm. 0-62 miles per hour? 3.7 seconds. Top speed? 202 mph. We're ready for some track time.

If you have the money, you can put an LFA in your garage starting in early 2011 and take it Nissan GT-R hunting. Click through the post for the full press release and scroll through our gallery of images above to see the LFA from all angles.

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The Nissan GT-R isn't an old car, and we don't have many complaints about Godzilla's mannerisms, but nonetheless, some small, yet crucial, tweaks have been made to the GT-R for the 2010 model year.

Visually, there's nothing terribly new to speak of, save the inclusion of rear diffuser cooling ducts which now come standard across the GT-R range. On top of that, the rear suspension brushings have been stiffened slightly, and the front springs and shocks have been tweaked, as well. While this might not seem like much, hardcore GT-R drivers will definitely notice these improvements on the track.

Japanese citizens can head to dealerships on December 7th to pick up their new GT-Rs. As for us, we'll have to wait until next spring. Click through the post for the full details.

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Lotus will unveil a limited-production version of the Lotus Exige, called the Exige Scura (Exige Stealth in Japan), at the Tokyo Motor show later this week. The matte black, carbon fiber-themed Exige receives performance enhancements while shedding weight to make this already light and potent Exige S even more formidable.

The 256-horsepower, 1.8-liter supercharged engine (the same one in the Exige Cup 260) propels the Exige Scura from 0-62 in 4.1 seconds, then on to a top speed of about 152 miles per hour. To keep it on the ground, its aerodynamic package, made extensively of carbon fiber for low weight, providing almost 95 pounds of downforce at 100 miles per hour.

What makes the Lotus Exige Scura truly special are its evil paint job, and the fact that it is limited to only 35 units globally. Check the warranty on the paint job before you buy, though.

See it in the gallery above. The official press release follows.

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Our spy photographer sent over some shots of a hotted-up version of a BMW M3 on the Nürburgring. Could it be a production version of the GT4 racecar?

From the photos, we can see the huge rear wing and the lower lip in front. The car also looks lower to the ground. We can assume it has lost some weight, and has been fitted with some of performance racing parts. It looks right at home on the 'Ring.

See it in the gallery above, or scroll down for the photographer’s notes.

Winding Road presents its second Special Edition, the BMW Issue. Full to the brim with Munich’s finest, this issue includes our best coverage of the Ultimate Driving Machine, along with buyer’s guides and previews of some Bimmers yet to come.

This special issue is available only in downloadable PDF format from NextNewsStand. It’s yours for the super low price of $3.99.

CLICK HERE to download this issue.

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Hot damn! We've got our hands on a 2009 Lotus Exige S260 Sport this week, a car that is (no doubt) one of the best driver's cars on the planet.

Let us know what questions you have about the supercharged rollerskate by heading over to our Ask It forum post. We'll be sure to answer, as well as post driving impressions... if we ever get out of the car.

+ NextAutos Forums: Ask It: 2009 Lotus Exige S260 Sport

Recently, our own Steven Ewing attended Aston Martin’s Performance Driving School, where he drove the V8 Vantage, DB9, and DBS coupes.

The above video doesn’t feature Steven, any of the vehicles he drove, or the courses he drove them on. It, instead, it picks up where he left off. In the video, we see the Aston Martin Rapide taking on the Nürburgring in Germany, as well as Italy’s beautiful Stelvio Pass.

Enjoy your latest Aston fix with the four-door Rapide, above.

+ YouTube: New Aston Martin Rapide 2010 Video
+ Auto Express: Video: Aston Rapide tackles Stelvio Pass