Though there’s no shortage of modified Corvettes around, Callaway’s C16 is one such car that’ll make you do a double take. Callaway has tweaked the 6L LS2 V8 engine to develop a massive 616hp and 582 lb-ft of twist, allowing it to run 0-60 times of around 3.3 seconds. The standing quarter mile is demolished in only 10.9 seconds, which is faster than a Ferrari Enzo. Top speed is an impressive 206mph, and the company claims even fuel economy is rated at 18mpg in the city. We’ll have to see that to believe it.

Sending the power to the road are massive Yokohama tyres. The C16 is equipped with 295/30ZR19’s in the front and 345/25ZR20 in the back. Adjustable suspension comes as standard and there are three transmission options on the Callaway C16: two 6-speed manual transmissions (one incorporating the Z51 Performance Package’s shorter ratios in the first four gears), or a 6-speed automatic with paddle shift.

Inside, the C16 cockpit is completely retooled in German leather and Alcantara. Also
fitted are Recaro Pole Position seats with a choice of harnessing styles. Door sill panels,
steering wheel and passenger dash area also carry signature Callaway badging. Each
automobile is serialized and identified by its build plaque. Since all C16s are built to order, you can pick any interior and exterior color combination to suit.

General Motors CEO Rick Wagoner conceded that there’s no one solution to providing fuel-efficient cars during his speech at the L.A. Auto Show on Wednesday. However, the GM boss is backing vehicles that could be charged by plugging it into a standard electrical outlet. In fact, GM wants to be the first carmaker to offer the so-called plug-in hybrids in large volumes. The first model is already in development and will be based on the recently introduced Saturn Vue Green Line hybrid crossover.

That same speech was interrupted by a protestor that wanted Wagoner to sign a pledge to make GM the fuel economy leader by 2010. Along with announcing plans for a plug-in Vue hybrid, GM also unveiled three new hybrid models for the 2008 model year in the form of the Saturn Aura sedan, GMC Yukon SUV and the Vue Green Line. Wagoner also promised to deliver biofuel drivetrains for the Hummer brand within three years. GM also is planning to have 12 hybrid models in lineup by the end of 2008, so the next 12 months will be very busy for the General.

Toyota’s North American head, Jim Press, commented that his company still has a lot of research to do and that GM’s push for the clean technology would help encourage consumer support and perhaps even spur the government into providing financial support for developing hybrids.

The Lotus Sport Exige Cup is a track-ready edition of the Exige roadster that runs a more powerful version of the engine from the supercharged Exige S. Power is up to 252hp at a lofty 8000rpm and torque is 179lb-ft at 7000rpm. Those rpm figures may seem high, but the Toyota sourced four-cylinder engine just loves to rev.

Lotus claims the Sport Exige Cup can reach 0-60mph in a supercar-like 3.9 seconds, 0-100mph in less than 10 seconds all top speed of close to 160mph. Safety features include a six-point seat belt harness on the driver’s side (there isn’t a passenger seat), full roll cage and a mechanical ignition kill switch.

This version isn’t just a one-trick pony either. Suspension, tires and brakes have been upgraded, while weight has been kept to just over 1,800lbs. This is truly a stripped down racer, with no comfort accessories whatsoever. Roof trim, carpets, front mudflaps, central locking and bulkhead trim are all gone in an effort to reduce weight.

Lamborghini took the covers off the roadster version of its LP640 supercar at the L.A. Auto Show and has released some official images of the car to coincide with the launch. Lamborghini is in its best position ever, with sales up 45% during the first six months of the year over last year’s results. This jump is mainly due to the Gallardo and the Spyder, but halo cars like the LP640 help promote the brand further.

The new Roadster is powered by a 6.5-litre V12 and is labeled the LP640 for its engine layout and power rating, which stands at 640hp (631hp SAE). Carbon-fiber trim and unique 18in wheels differentiate this model from the regular Murciealgo.

The hardtop, which was displayed back at the Geneva show received a warm welcome when it entered the market, now the LP640 Roadster should continue that success. The waiting list for the LP640 is already 12 months and the expansion of the brand into new markets means that this waiting list may get even longer. Lamborghini will be expanding its dealer network to accommodate the extra demand and expects to have around 100 dealers by the end of the year.

BMW has been selling diesel vehicles in Europe since 1983 and today, 67% of its sales there are oil-burners. The acceptance of this type of engine has been increasing in the US market, and with the introduction of the new low-sulfur content diesel fuel across the US, the market is now poised to see an increase in the number of diesel sales. Now, BMW has announced that announced that it will be selling diesels in the US starting from 2008.

For BMW, the offer of diesel vehicles in the US is a long-term oriented sustainable commitment. The company has developed its engines to deliver minimum exhaust gas emissions, making its cars comply with Bin5 emissions standards in al 50 US states. However, the standards are about to get tougher with a 30% reduction law to go into effect by 2009, but BMW is confident that its cars will still comply.

The first diesels to be sold are likely to be the 535d sedan and possible touring models, followed by 3-series variants and a diesel version of the new X5. However, the company has stated that the type designations and specifications of its vehicles for the US will be announced at a later point in time.

Nissan has introduced its new Altima Coupe to the motoring press at the L.A. Auto Show and joins the Altima Hybrid and sedan under Nissan’s most popular nameplate in the US. The new coupe will go on sale midway through next year as a 2008 model. The car should stand out against its sedan sibling thanks to its shorter wheelbase, shorter overall length and lower height than the Altima sedan and unique interior.

The smaller size and lighter overall weight also contribute to a sportier driving feel. The sedan and coupe share only a common hood, with all other panels, grille, headlights and rear combination lights unique to the Altima Coupe. Based on Nissan’s “D” platform, the Altima Coupe comes with increased body rigidity and a redesigned suspension, and remains a front-wheel driver.

The car comes with a choice of two engines and two transmissions. Nissan’s global 3.5L V6 in “next generation” form and is rated at 270hp and 258lb-ft of torque. Also available is a 2.5L inline four-cylinder, producing 175hp and 180lb-ft of torque. Both engines can be mated to either a conventional six-speed manual or Nissan’s Xtronic CVT. Interior appointments include a Bose stereo with nine speakers, Bluetooth hands free, satellite radio and dual-zone automatic temperature control.

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Hyundai has presented its HCD10 Hyundai Hellion concept at the L.A. Auto Show today, showcasing the Korean company’s take on the compact three-door sport crossover. Inspired by the tough, hard-shell backpack that’s seen in the animal world, the Hellion’s architecture consists of three ultra-lightweight structural ribs to create the car’s safety cage.

The front-end styling also adopts organic structural forms and hints at the look of future Hyundai trucks. Key attributes are the assertive face and piercing headlights angled towards the grille. A prominent hood scoop enhances Hellion’s rally car demeanor while the clamshell hood utilizes exposed latches for easy access to the engine bay. Other features include a canvas soft-top roof, two-piece Teflon-coated 20in wheels and dual chrome exhaust tips.

The Hellion has been fitted with a 3.0L V6 Common-rail Diesel engine (CRDi) with 236hp and 332 lb.-ft. of torque. Drive is sent through a six-speed auto mated to a 4WD system.

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Acura has unveiled probably one of the ugliest concept cars at the Los Angeles Auto Show today. The creation of the company’s Los Angeles-based advanced design team, the Advanced Sedan Concept illustrates Acura’s commitment to modern design and cutting-edge style. The primary goal of this design study was to create a sophisticated, refined sedan with a mysterious presence.

The car rides on huge 22in custom billet-machined, polished aluminum wheels at the front, with even larger 23 inchers at the back. Powerful brake discs and calipers accent the wheels and large ducts direct cooling air to the components. Bold wheel arches and flares add to the concept’s muscular appearance.

The front of the car features pronounced character lines that flow onto the five sided grille, which is constructed of polished aluminum and features a cut crystal Acura emblem. Acura has designed and developed several models in the US and will increase its North American capabilities with the addition of a dedicated Acura Design Center that will open next year in Torrance, Ca.

More images and the full press release after the jump.
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Honda has displayed two new concept cars at the L.A. Auto Show in the form of its REMIX small sport concept and the Step Bus MPV. The REMIX explores the shape and design of a two-seat sports car, which can double as a practical daily-driver. The low-slung car features a wrap-around canopy that adds a fighter jet-feel to the driving experience, an aluminum-color exterior that is both fluid and hard-edged.

Honda called on its Advanced Design Studio in Southern California to create the REMIX, which was done purely as a styling exercise. The car is built around a front-wheel drive chassis with four-cylinder engine and a six-speed manual gearbox.

The Honda Step Bus Concept is a highly configurable MPV with a futuristic interior, sliding front doors and space efficient design that lets people enter and exit in tight spaces. The Step Bus was designed to create the largest possible interior with the smallest possible exterior and was developed in a design studio in Saitama prefecture, Japan. The five-passenger interior features modular construction that is highlighted by tracks in the door that can hold beverage containers, cell phones and more.

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Nissan will be selling new versions of its Sentra starting from March next year in SE-R and the more powerful SE-R Spec V trims. The original SE-R launched in 1991 helped establish the concept of a “sport compact” car, and now the new model will help lift the bar further for cars with sports car-like performance that’s also affordable. The target price for the Spec V is around the $20K bracket.

Both the new SE-R and SE-R Spec V are powered by Nissan’s advanced 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and are equipped with standard 17-inch wheels, and an upgraded brake package. For the 2007 model Nissan called on Motohiro Matsumura, the man behind the awesome “VQ” series V6 engine. Chassis performance and vehicle dynamics tests were tuned on Germany’s Nurburgring by Nissan’s Yukio Kamiyama, who was also responsible for Nissan’s legendary Skyline R32 and R33 models.

Unique features of the Spec V engine includes a resin intake manifold and dual branch exhaust manifold; revised piston crown shape to support a higher compression ratio (10.5:1); iridium tipped spark plugs for improved combustion characteristics; and a revised cam shaft profile, reinforced connecting rods and 8-counterweight crankshaft to achieve a higher redline limit of 6,800 rpm. With these modifications, the power achieved is 200 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 180 lb-ft of torque at 5,200 rpm. Output from the SE-R is 177hp at 6,000 rpm and 172 lb-ft of torque at 2,800rpm.

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Saturn has launched its European designed compact five-door crossover, showcasing the brand’s new design character and intensified focus on driving characteristics. Labeled the VUE, the new crossover will go on sale in the second quarter of 2007 and is Saturn’s fourth all-new model since the beginning of 2006.

GM has confirmed that the hybrid Green Line version will be released towards the end of 2007 as a 2008-model year vehicle. Other models include the XE, XR and Red Line trim levels. Engine options include either a four-cylinder engine or larger V6 mated to GM’s new Hydra-Matic six-speed auto, which will be joined by a five-speed manual later in 2007. The top of the line engine is a 3.5L V6 with 304Nm of pulling power.

The Vue rides on a MacPherson strut independent front suspension and independent multi-link rear suspension set up with both front and rear stabilizer bars and a double-isolated engine cradle. A high-performance Red Line model will be unveiled later in 2007 with a more sports-oriented form.

The new hybrid Green Line version will debut GM’s new front-wheel-drive, 2-mode hybrid system, which is expected to lift fuel economy by 45% over the regular model. The Vue Green Line 2-mode Hybrid SUV will be powered by a 3.6L V-6 gas engine, with direct injection and variable valve timing, a nickel-metal hydride battery pack and two active cooled permanent magnet motors. This design is similar to the 2-mode hybrid system for rear-wheel-drive applications, which will debut next year in the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon full-size SUVs.

The “2” in 2-mode represents the two electric modes that are mated to four fixed gear ratios. This allows for smaller electric motors, which can fit in the space of a conventional automatic transmission, minimizing packaging, cost and weight issues.

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Mazda’s Nagare concept is just the latest in a string of recent concept cars from the Japanese brand, which includes its Sassou from Frankfurt in 2005, the Senku at Tokyo also in 2005 and the Kabura in Detroit this year. Their latest effort is the first of a new series of design concepts that Mazda will showcase at several major auto shows this year.

Developed by Mazda’s US based design team, the Nagare, which means “flow” in Japanese, suggests where Mazda design will go in 2020. According to a Mazda spokesman, “the company doesn’t produce concept cars to spin its wheels, and while some are more forward-looking than others, we simply do not create pure flights of fantasy. We develop these ideas to demonstrate what we really intend to build and sell.”

Its creators describe the Nagare as “a concept of a concept.” It showcases both proportions and surface language that will evolve in subsequent designs planned for presentation at future auto shows. Mazda’s next concept, which is planned for Detroit, will be much more practical and could be produced in the next decade, while another concept planned for Geneva is something the carmakers expects to implement in the very near future.

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To help promote the popularity of diesel fueled cars in the US, Germany’s Audi brand will back clean diesel under the Bluetec name together with Volkswagen and DaimlerChrysler. By working together, the three companies believe there’ll be a greater spread of the technology, which is likely to speed up the adoption rate of diesels in America.

Diesels not only produce much more torque than gasoline engines of the same displacement, the latest models also consume less fuel and produce less emissions overall. Audi’s Bluetec diesel range will meet stringent US emissions standards when it’s launched in 2008, meaning that the cars can be marketed in all 50 US states. To achieve this, Audi is using its very own emissions control technology, with cars remaining as TDIs.

Audi/VW is already a leader in diesel technology, having produced some of the most efficient and powerful diesel engines around. Who could forget their Le Mans winning R10 car powered by a 650hp V12 TDI?

Ford has revealed its next generation of America’s best-selling compact utility vehicle, which has picked up a completely new look inside and out. The original Escape sold more than a million copies since its introduction in 2001, more than any other compact SUV, so the new version has some big boots to fill. According to its developers, the goal for the new Escape was to “make it look even stronger and tougher than the original,” and to do so they raised the beltline to give the profile a strong, modern proportion of sheet metal to glass. Then, they sculpted the surfaces for a more Ford Tough Truck appearance, making the Escape fit nicely in line with Explorer.

To integrate the higher beltline, the hood has also been raised and now features a unique “reverse crease” design, while the new front fascia has headlamps that sweep up towards the front corners of the vehicle to short side marker lamps. Inside, the Escape gets Ford’s new “top of dash” display positioned at eye level on the dashboard, which shows ambient temperature, radio functions and climate-control readouts.

Under the hood, the Escape runs either the standard 2.3L Duratec four-cylinder motor with 153hp and 152lb-ft of torque, or a 3.0L V6 with 200hp and 193lb-ft of torque. Mated to the four-speed auto, the V6 Escape can tow up to 3500 lbs. The hybrid version also returns, running a 70kW electric motor mated to a 133hp four banger. The net result is 155hp with 0-60mph times comparable to the 3.0L V6 engine and a boost in city-driving fuel economy of nearly 75 percent.

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We always see futuristic concept cars with high-tech interiors and massive 20in and over sized wheels that their makers claimed costs hundreds of thousands of dollars to develop, not to mention the number of man-hours and the hurdles thrown at developers from upper management. So it’s rare to see one that has actually been delivered to a motoring mag for a test drive.

That’s exactly what happened with the Ford Iosis X Concept, which the journos from UK magazine Auto Express got to take for a spin. The production version of the Iosis X prototype is due towards the end of 2008 and is considered by many to be one of Ford’s most important vehicles, so it will be interesting to see what the international motoring press thinks of it.

Climbing into the cabin is made easy by the fold down step that drops before opening the doors. Hopping inside revealed several unique features including windows placed in the foot wells that you can see the ground through. These proved so distracting for the driver that they almost ran into the car in front on several occasions. Cornering and performance from the 2.0L TDCi diesel were strong, which is a good sign considering that these will make it into the production version. Joining Ford’s excellent Focus ST and S-MAX, the production version of the Iosis X is sure to make an impact.