2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe to get 350-hp V6,

2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe to get 350-hp V6

According to Car and Driver, the four- and six-cylinder engines found under the coupe's newly designed hood are coming in for significant upgrades. The 3.8-liter Lambda V6 now uses direct-injection technology (just like in the updated 2012 Genesis sedan), but instead of matching the four-door's 333 horsepower and 291 pound-feet of torque, Hyundai has further massaged this engine to the tune of 345 hp and 295 lb-ft of twist. That means the Korean coupe will put down more horsepower than many of its American and Japanese six-cylinder rivals, specifically the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro and Nissan 370Z.

There's good news for turbo-four enthusiasts, as well. Hyundai's 2.0-liter inline-four receives a new twin-scroll turbo unit and an upgraded intercooler, meaning there's now 271 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque on tap. Both the four- and six-cylinder engines are now available with eight-speed automatic transmissions, but those who prefer to row their own gears will almost certainly still be able to opt for a six-speed manual gearbox with either engine. Check out Car and Driver for more details and sit tight for the 2013 Genesis Coupe's official debut at January's Detroit Auto Show.

Mercedes-Benz reveals 518-hp ML63 AMG

Mercedes-Benz reveals 518-hp ML63 AMG ahead

We've seen a lot of action from Mercedes-Benz and its AMG performance division this year, most of which concerns replacing the naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 with the company's new, more powerful, more efficient twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V8. The 5.5 is a great engine, but we've lamented the death of the 6.2 for a while now (though Merc is still putting it to good use in the C63 AMG), and the next vehicle to get the 5.5-liter swap is the all-new 2012 ML63 AMG, which makes its official debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show later this week.

In standard guise, the ML63 AMG puts down 518 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, though an optional AMG Performance Package raises those numbers to 550 and 560, respectively. This power is put to the ground via Merc's AMG Speedshift Plus seven-speed transmission, driving all four wheels in the case of the ML63. The Performance Pack also raises the SUV's top speed from 155 miles per hour to 174, and the extra grunt reduces the ML63's 0-to-60-mph time from 4.7 seconds to 4.6.We like how the AMG design has been grafted onto the new M-Class shape, as the previous model was a bit too bulgy and brash for our tastes. Inside, there's a standard Designo leather interior, along with a whole slate of high-tech gizmos to keep you safe, comfortable and entertained.

Mini to offer B-Spec Cooper for budding racers

It may have taken them a while to get around to it, but after reviving the Mini marque in 1994, BMW hasn't forgotten the original's rich racing heritage. It's what's taken them into the World Rally Championship, and is now leading to a B-Spec racer available right here in the United States.Created out of a partnership between Mini USA and its dealer in Charleston, South Carolina, the Mini Cooperracer can be made out of any existing hardtop hatchback made between 2007 and 2012. It packs all the safety equipment necessary for competition duty – including a full roll cage, window net, racing bucket and harness – plus upgraded brakes, suspension and rolling stock, but is otherwise pretty much showroom stock. And that's the point behind B-Spec categories sanctioned by such bodies as the SCCA, Grand Amand World Challenge.

Porsche gets sideways in new Panamera GTS

The claw hammer isn't a particularly beautiful piece of equipment. With it's flat face and curved, pointed tail, the tool is about as ungainly as it gets, but engineers have left the design unchanged for over 500 years. Why? Because it works, and there's beauty in functionality. That in and of itself is enough to make the tool a favorite among carpenters the world over, and that same logic is what makes the Porsche Panamera so damn perfect in our book. Yes, it's ugly, but you know what? We couldn't care less. In fact, the sports sedan's awkward proportions only serve to help it carve out an even larger spot in our collective hearts.

The Panamera GTS that recently debuted at the 2011 LA Auto show certainly isn't any more attractive than its siblings, but it does pack a full 430 horsepower from a naturally-aspirated V8 engine, a seven-speed PDK gearbox and all-wheel drive. Remember what we said about functionality? This piece of kit will handily dispatch any task you throw its way, and it will do it with three friends and their gear in tow.

Audi releases upgraded R8 LMS Ultra for customer racers

The R8 LMS Ultra picks up where its predecessor left off – and that's quite a starting point: In just three years, the R8 LMS has won 115 races and 12 championships on racing circuits around the world. The improvements encompassed in the Ultra, however, promise to increase that number significantly.

Compared to the existing R8 LMS, the R8 LMS Ultra has lost some weight (thanks to carbon reinforced plastic doors), been made safer (thanks to new safety foam and racing bucket), gained a new transmission, had its cooling and breathing improved, its weight better balanced, its suspension and rolling stock beefed up and its aerodynamics optimized.

The same production-based 5.2-liter V10 carries over essentially unchanged, offering up to 570 horsepower depending on the regulators mandated by various racing series. The R8 LMS Ultra conforms to standardGT3 regulations, and can be yours for the low, low price of 329,900 euros ($445k USD) with deliveries beginning in March

Watch Jeremy Clarkson pit 1908 V12 Brutus against BMW 1 Series M Coupe

The Brutus is a relic from another time. A time when men approached automobile racing with reckless abandon by cramming the largest, most powerful engine available onto a chassis supported by the world's skinniest tires. Suspension, brakes and cumbersome safety equipment were all scrapped for bullet-shaped bodywork and testicles the size of small planetary bodies. The Brutus boasts a 46-liter BMW V12 engine pulled from a post-World War II fighter plane and a chassis from a 1908 American LaFrance. The engine alone weighs 1,124 pounds and puts out a potent 500 horsepower. Now Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson has decided that the creation needs to tango with the latest BMW hot rod; the 1 Series M Coupe in his new DVD, Powered Up.

This is not your typical drag race. The Brutus is a chain-driven, fire-breathing hulk that's happier scaring school children than darting down the drag strip, while the 1 Series M Coupe is as civilized as a sports car gets. How does the competition shake out?