Toyota only took the covers off the 2009 Corolla sedan today and already we have first images of a new high-performance version dubbed the S3. Although there are no plans for production, the new S3 shares some of its accessories with the regular production model such as the sports bodykit and interior trim.

Powering the car is the same 2.4L four-cylinder petrol engine but with a supercharger kit and front-mount intercooler installed for added performance. The car also features a set of 20in chrome wheels, a sports exhaust with a dual pipe muffler and a set of lowered springs.

The new Corolla will officially go on sale in February next year and will be available in five different levels of trim. Two sports versions will be available, the new S and XRS lines, and both off these offer a few minor upgrades such as color-keyed bodykits, 17in alloys, a strut tower brace and plenty of chrome.

Earlier this month Fiat Chief Sergio Marchionne revealed Mercedes-Benz was one of a number of companies Fiat was in talks with over a possible alliance, but apart from the confirmation of the talks we don’t really know much about the negotiations. Earlier reports suggested Fiat and Mercedes would likely form an alliance to help expand each company’s respective commercial truck businesses but now there are claims Fiat could use a Mercedes platform for the next-generation 169 flagship sedan from Alfa Romeo.

Last week we reported that Alfa Romeo’s future products would be RWD and the first of these new models, excluding the one-off 8C, will be the 169 flagship sedan that’s expected to bow in towards the end of 2009. Originally it was thought engineers would use the RWD platform from the Maserati Quattroporte but this would likely be too expensive for an Alfa Romeo product.

Italian media are now claiming Fiat may borrow a Mercedes platform for its new flagship, likely the next-gen E-class architecture, while Mercedes will source one of Fiat’s small car platforms for its future A and B-class models. This would allow both companies to share development costs and spread investment risk.

This month Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche visited a Fiat factory in Cassino, Italy, where the Bravo hatchback is built. Unfortunately for Fiat, BMW is also reportedly in talks with Daimler over a deal to share the platform of the next-gen aMini with the A and B-class models.

Six distinct Hyundai vehicles made their world debut at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas this week, marking the Korean carmaker’s seventh year at the event. For this year’s display Hyundai showed off vehicles spanning its entire product portfolio including cars based on the Elantra hatch, Tiburon coupe, Veracruz SUV, Azera sedan and Accent compact.

K-Daddyz Kustomz Elantra Touring “Beach Cruiser” Concept
The Elantra Touring Beach Cruiser Concept was customized by California-based K-Daddyz Kustomz and is the fifth consecutive SEMA show car for the Korean carmaker. The car’s exterior features a two-tone paint job with airbrushing and pin striping for extra effect. Other external modifications include a billet grille, 20in Konig Rolf Blix 3 wheels, Dunlop Sport Maxx tires, a MagnaFlow dual exhaust and a full K-Daddyz Kustoms bodykit.

Street Concepts – VIP Luxury Tuner Azera
A long-time Hyundai tuner, Shawn Williams from Street Concepts, delivered a modified version of the Azera sedan. His team took Hyundai’s flagship and turned it into the “VIP Luxury Tuner.” The Azera’s custom white pearl paint and black suede seats with white stitching create a sporty look to match the Eibach suspension, MagnaFlow catback exhaust, K&N intake and Brembo brakes.

Troy Lee Designs – High-Tech Urban Escape Vehicle
Troy Lee Designs, known for its custom-design racing helmets, sports equipment and apparel, applied its unique artistry to the first-ever Hyundai Veracruz custom. The painters applied a classic Troy Lee Designs paint scheme with Momo FXL1 wheels that pair with the 265/50-20 Nitto 420 tires. Mechanically, the Veracruz was modified with Eibach springs and received a beefed-up Willwood oversized brake system.

Mobis – Parts Expo Tiburon
Hyundai’s accessories group, Mobis Parts, created the Hyundai Mobis Parts Expo Vehicle. In addition to the KDM full-body kit by Tomato, supercharger by Next Generation Motorsports and Eibach suspension, this Tiburon features prototype parts that will be in Hyundai dealerships’ parts departments in the near future.

Not wanting to wait for Chrysler to build an official Barracuda, HXC Performance has penned up their own version of a new-generation Cuda and are already taking orders for the car, which is expected to be on sale by mid next year. The HXC Cuda will be built in a limited run of just 1,500 examples and will be available to see up close at several Dodge dealerships.

The Cuda is of course based on the upcoming Dodge Challenger but picks up some unique features such as the 20in black alloy wheels, shaker hood, a coilover suspension, powerful Brembo brakes, a new grille and fender vents. The base price is expected to be less than $50,000.

Under the hood will be a stock 5.7L HEMI V8 but HXC will also be offering a supercharger kit for added performance. Other options include Sparco bucket seats, a premium sound system and aluminum alloy wheels. Next year the potent 392 and 426 HEMI V8s will also be available.

Earlier this week Chrysler presented its own Barracuda concept at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas but officials weren’t willing to confirm if it was going into production.

It seems this year’s SEMA Show had almost as many official presentations as the true aftermarket guys and we’re not just talking regular production cars with shiny wheels and a new coat of paint. This year saw a number of carmakers unveil their own interior accessories, entire stand alone engine kits and factory-backed performance parts. One of the new kids on the block was Lexus, which today unveiled its new ‘F-Sport’ performance accessory line available for the IS250 and IS350.

The F-Sport Accessory Line includes a wide cross-section of performance parts developed by TRD and fully covered by Lexus’ new car warranty.

Some of the parts available include F-Sport 19in forged wheels designed in a dark graphite finish and available in either 8in or 9in wide sizes, a new brake package with six piston fixed calipers and drilled cast iron 355mm diameter rotors with a patented internal fin design mounted on anodized aluminum hubs, as well as carbon fiber-reinforced ceramic discs measuring up to 380mm in diameter.

Performance upgrades include a new stainless steel exhaust system and a high-flow air intake. Handling is improved with a lowering spring set, a new sway bar and Bilstein Shock Absorbers.

The F-Sport performance accessory line will be available in early March 2008, and will be sold through Lexus dealerships. In the meantime you can see more details of each component in the full press release below.

Lexus Debuts F-Sport Performance Accessory Line At 2007 SEMA Show
10/30/2007 Las Vegas

October 30, 2007 – Las Vegas - Lexus today unveiled F-Sport, its first-ever performance accessory line available for the IS 250, and the IS 350. The line was premiered at the 2007 Special Equipment Marketing Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas, where the appearance marked the division’s first official participation at the show, attended by more than 100,000 industry leaders from over 100 countries showcasing the latest in automotive products, electronics, and aftermarket accessories.

“The Lexus IS 250 and IS 350 sport sedans are specifically geared for the performance-minded customer,” said Brian Bolain, Lexus national interactive and automotive events manager. “The F-Sport performance accessory line helps to further realize each owner’s desire to personalize their car’s performance to best match their needs.”

The F-Sport Accessory Line includes a wide cross-section of performance enhancing products engineered by TRD and covered by the Lexus new vehicle warranty, including:

F-Sport 19″ Forged Alloy Wheels
This lightweight forged alloy wheel, exclusively designed in a dark graphite finish, includes a staggered fitment with 19″ X 8″ front wheels and 19″ X 9″ rear wheels. Recommended tire sizes are 225/35R19 in the front and 255/35R19 in the rear.

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 features six piston fixed calipers, and drilled cast iron 355mm diameter 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 F-Sport upgraded rear brakes.

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 345mm diameter 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 Continuous Carbon CeramicTM Brake Upgrade
A new generation of carbon fiber-reinforced ceramic material technology maximizes high-temperature durability and system cooling in this ultimate upgrade for the IS F. Ceramic rotors measure 380mm diameter front and 355mm diameter rear on anodized aluminum hats. They incorporate the same internal cooling vane concepts as the F-Sport cast iron rotors, while significantly reducing unsprung and rotating mass compared to the IS F stock brake system. Distinctively finished six-piston front and four-piston rear fixed calipers signify leading-edge technology and performance. Specially qualified performance brake pads and stainless steel brake lines are included.

F-Sport 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.

F-Sport Lowering Spring Set
This feature lowers the vehicle approximately 1″ 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 feature can be used with either the stock or F-Sport shock absorber set.

F-Sport Sway Bar Set
This includes a set of larger diameter, replacement front and rear sway bars that offer reduced body roll and flatter cornering. Urethane mounting brushings are also included to replace the original rubber brushings.

F-Sport Bilstein 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 Clutch
The F-Sport Clutch increases clamping force approximately 15% to handle higher torque capacity and provide improved feel.

F-Sport Quick Shifter
Engineered and machined from billet aluminum, the F-Sport Quick Shifter decreases shift throw by approximately 30% for positive shifting.

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 Carbon Fiber Engine Cover
Constructed from real carbon fibers, this very light and durable engine cover provides a high-tech appearance under the hood. This is a direct replacement for the original cover and is only available for the IS 350.

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

Lexus Genuine Accessory Ground Effects Kit
For a lower, more aggressive appearance, this color-keyed four-piece body kit includes front and rear valences and side skirts.

Lexus Genuine Accessory Rear Spoiler
This rear deck mounted, color-keyed lip-style spoiler provides the finishing touch for the sport-tuned enthusiast.

Electric cars are believed by many to be the wave of the future, but critics harp on the long recharging periods and short range as insurmountable obstacles. And the critics are right, at least based on current technology and the availability of recharging stations. But that may change if one man has his way.

How would you like to buy a car for the price of its fuel? That’s exactly what Silicon Valley entrepreneur Shai Agassi is looking to do. He wants to turn the electric car market into a model of the cellular phone market by offering discounted or free cars in exchange for extended contracts with his start-up company, Project Better Place, reports Wired’s Autopia (http://blog.wired.com/cars/2007/10/selling-electri.html). The company has already raised $200 million toward building its necessary infrastructure of charging stations and automated battery exchange depots.

The idea is that Agassi will subsidize the vehicle cost in proportion to the length of the subscription - buy a four year contract, they pay for part of your car or fuel; buy a six year contract and get the car for free. The charging stations covered under contract would be located throughout the United States and Europe. Built in parking lots, the charging stations would be places drivers could leave their cars to charge. The automated battery swap stations would be instantaneous - the machines would swap your used batteries for fresh ones. The used batteries would then be recharged and put back into circulation.

Why electricity? Agassi argues it’s much more plentiful and easily produced than biofuels or hydrogen. After all, the United States and Europe are already criscrossed with electricity distribution networks. Electricity can be produced from many sources, not just those that require land and water to produce. Agassi believes that once the charging stations are in place and someone is building the cars (like the Tesla, pictured - but in greater volume), everything will fall into place.

Project Better Place will launch several pilot programs next year, although where is still a mystery. Areas with dense urban populations that drive short distances are the likely targets for the test runs - Israel and Denmark are among the top candidates.

More reveals from the SEMA showroom floor today, this time from Toyota. The second-generation Matrix evolves the five-door crossover utility vehicle concept that the first Matrix helped to pioneer. Toyota says more coupe-like styling and better performance are the focus of the new model. A variety of engines and a lower, sportier chassis give the Matrix’s performance claims some bite.

Powered by a 16-valve 1.8L four-cylinder that makes 132hp at 6,000rpm and 128lb-ft of torque at 4,400rpm, the little standard Matrix will be sporty, but not exactly fast. More power is available, however, with the optional 2.4L DOHC four-cylinder motor putting out 158hp at 6,000rpm and 162lb-ft of torque at 4,000rpm. Fuel economy is excellent with the big motor mated to a five-speed automatic managing 21mpg city and 29mpg highway.

Standard wheels are 16-inch steel units with plastic covers, but 17-inch five-spoke alloys are available on the S trim and 18-inch alloys with twin five-spoke design are standard on the XRS trim. Brakes are discs all around on all trim levels, with antilock brakes (ABS) and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) standard as well. Traction control is optional on the base and S trims, and standard on the XRS.

The interior has been completely redesigned to enhance comfort and utility. New seats complement the lower profile of the new Matrix and despite the lower seating position and roofline, cabin space is equal to the previous Matrix. The standard array of power accessories and satellite radio and navigation units are available.

Expect the all-new Matrix to roll onto showroom floors in February 2008.

Following on from its brilliant take on the XK, German tuning-house Arden has taken Jaguar’s more capable XKR and created a machine even more impressive than the last. Using the same supercharged engine Arden had specially developed for the XK, the new XKR pushes out a healthy 480hp from its 4.5L V8, and a mind-blowing 640Nm of torque to boot. The engine uses a specially made crankshaft, along with new con rods and pistons to help achieve the 300cc increase in displacement from the original.

All that sumptuous power is transferred to the ground through exclusive 21in Arden ‘Sportline’ wheels, powering it to 100km/h in just 4.1 seconds. To make sure the rubber stays where it should, a custom-made spoiler was fitted to the rear, stylishly achieving extra downforce and helping it reach a top speed of 305 km/h. The spoiler is just a small part of a complete bodykit, which also includes modifications to the front spoiler and side sills. Incredibly Arden has managed to lower the aerodynamic coefficient from 0.385 to 0.357, something not all tuners can achieve.

Poised like a cat, the AJ20 is lowered on finely tuned sports suspension achieving a good balance of comfort and sportiness. And to make this street cat purr like it should, Arden has fitted a sports silencer system with four chrome-plated tailpipes, keeping it quiet as a kitten in neutral but giving it the powerful growl it deserves when on the prowl.

After 20 years of experience in Jaguar tuning Arden realises that performance is not the only thing a Jaguar owner cares about. The interior can be fitted with a range of materials, from high-grade wood to carbon fibre for the trim inserts, and a variety of upholstery choices in either leather or Alcantara are available to give the interior that extra touch. It seems that driving the fastest Jaguar on the road has never been more pleasurable.

Like the new Matrix, Toyota’s 2009 Corolla is all-new. The tenth generation of the Corolla features a balance between utility and performance in its five trim levels. It’s still a subcompact sedan, but the new design cues give it a sportier, more modern shape and feel. It’s cute, for sure, but it also seems a bit busy for such a small car.

The five trim levels include Standard, LE and XLE as the more utilitarian versions, while the S and XRS are the performance-focused models. The sport-focused models feature a standard body kit designed to improve aerodynamics and appearance, altough so much plastic on such a small car looks a bit out of place - how much performance-enhancing aerodynamic effect can really occur at speeds below 100mph? Regardless, the new Corolla features a front underbody spoiler, rocker moldings, upper and lower rear spoilers and engine bay undercovers to help airflow beneath the car.

The same engine options available in the Matrix are also in the Corolla, the 1.8L four-cylinder making 132hp and the 2.4L making 158hp, which is standard in the XRS. The smaller 1.8L manages a very impressive 27mpg city and 35mpg highway when combined with the five-speed manual, which is standard with the smaller engine.

The S trim package comes with 16-inch steel wheels and wheel covers standard, with color-keyed body kit and sport seats up front. The XRS expands on the S trim with a rear deck spoiler, alloy 17-inch rims, strut tower brace, traction control, cruise control and chrome accents on the interior.

Like the Matrix, the new Corolla will be available in February 2008.

Ford’s Crown Victoria, or Crown Vic as its affectionately known, was once the image of an American police patrol car. If you saw one in your rearview, you instinctively tapped your brakes - just in case. Times have changed, however, and the Crown Vic just isn’t as popular as it used to be, especially among the buying public. That’s why the 2008 model year will be the last to be offered for consumer sale - after that it’s strictly to be offered as a fleet car.

Compared to total sales of over 50,000 Crown Vics in 2006, retail sales of only 3,000 for the same year show that the car is already primarily a fleet car - Ford is just making it official. Sales in 2007 are down nearly 10 percent so far, reports Ward’s Auto. The Mercury Grand Marquis - the Crown Vic’s corporate sibling - is still doing relatively well in retail sales and will remain on dealer lots for the foreseeable future, although sales are down 17 percent since last year, selling just over 38,000 units, most at retail.

The fleet market for the Crown Vic is drying up too, however. New York’s taxi cab fleet currently holds 2,500 Crown Vics, but by 2012 the hybrid-powertrain requirement will boot them from service. Police are finding the more powerful 340hp motor of the Dodge Charger suits their purposes better than the aging Crown Vic’s 224hp V8. Ford has even told the plants that produce the Crown Vic, Grand Marquis and Lincoln Town Car (the third corporate sibling) that they shouldn’t expect production to extend past 2010.

There’s no shortage to the exotic metal the lucky guys at Top Gear get to drive. This time ‘round presenter Jeremy Clarkson is testing Ferrari’s gorgeous 599 GTB Fiorano and after he’s done with it the enigmatic Stig gets a chance to take it for a spin.

Suzuki has displayed four vehicles in total at this year’s SEMA show including the brand new 2008 four-door SX4 Sport, a vehicle designed to combine influences from high-performance motorcycles with cars and SUVs.

Designed and built by Road Race Motorsports of Santa Fe Springs, Calif., the SXForce features a 250hp 2.0L, turbocharged engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission.

Also on show was the SX4 WRC rally car, rugged Grand Vitara Dune LIVE vehicle and two Suzuki off-roaders. Suzuki also previewed its future performance-based concept accessories and an array of styling accessories for the five-door SX4 Crossover.

Ford unveiled two modified versions of its Flex crossover at this week’s SEMA Show, one designed by legendary hot rodder Chip Foose and another developed by hip hop legend and car aficionado Funkmaster Flex. Both customizers have taken a unique approach in customizing their vehicle, Foose focuses on what he sees in suburban styling, while Funkmaster uses an urban flavor to influence to his project.

Funkmaster’s vehicle features a two-tone paint scheme and is further enhanced by custom 3dCarbon accents including fender vents, upper and lower grilles and a rear upper spoiler. The all-black leather interior features Katzkin custom seat covers with alligator print inserts and stainless steel color stitching on the seats and interior trim. The vehicle sits on 22in NC Forged wheels and Cooper Zeon XST tires.

Riding on Foose Design 22-inch wheels and Eibach springs customized for a lower appearance, the Foose Flex exterior features a custom-mixed, tow-tone blue and cream pearl paint job. Inside, this color scheme continues with three-tone blue, gray and tan premium leather surfaces by Katzkin Leather.

The first Flex models will be hitting showrooms by the middle of next year so in the meantime enjoy all the pics in our gallery before.

Toyota’s main showcase for this year’s SEMA Auto Show involved its budget Scion xB, which was transformed into an odd looking pickup truck with a definite jungle theme. To convert the boxy xB into a pickup truck designers had to lop off part of the roof and install a flatbed tray where the rear seats would normally be.

The car’s paint and body work was handled by California’s Third Element Designs with the graphics and door print added by Sage Vaughn and ‘Lou.’ The custom interior was designed by Advanced Specialties and features a fully integrated PA system.

Custom features include the black TRD wheels, lowered 3in suspension and now bumpers with protective guards. To ensure the L-Con City Safari is fully capable in the wild the car is equipped with no less than eight super white fog lights, a full safari cage and rear step mounted into the bumper and a tray liner to keep the moisture out.

Tuning company Roush has taken the covers off a new version of the Ford Mustang called the P-51A, which was debuted at the SEMA Auto Show in Las Vegas today. The car was designed along the lines of the legendary WWII fighter with which it shares its name, and with 510hp and 691Nm (510lb-ft) of torque it turns out to be one of the most powerful modified Mustangs at the show.

The man behind the project is Jack Roush himself, who owns two of the original P-51 Mustang warbirds and has dreamed of building this car for the past ten years but never had the right platform, technology or timing until now.

This is the most complicated Mustang powertrain Roush has built and includes a host of rebuilt internal components such as the forged steel eight-bolt crankshaft, forged aluminum pistons, and forged steel H-Beam connecting rods. These upgraded parts were necessary for the stock 4.6L engine to be able to withstand the additional power generated from the new ROUSHcharger forced-induction system.

Additional alterations include a custom aluminum upper and lower intake manifold for the high capacity air-to-water intercooler, a custom fuel rail, high-flow fuel injectors and a dual electronic throttle body.

Its distinctive look is courtesy of a custom bodykit with a new front bar, chin spoiler, hood scoop and rear spoiler. The car also sits on forged 18in alloys and a Stage 3 suspension set-up. These include specially-engineered and tuned front struts, rear shocks, front and rear springs, front and rear sway bars and jounce bumpers. The front brakes are also upgraded with 14in front two-piece rotors and four-piston calipers.

Final pricing will be announced closer to the car’s sale date in the first quarter of next year and only 100 examples will enter production.