Mazda MX-5 Miata and Alfa Romeo Spyder

Mazda and Alfa Romeo are joining forces to build the next-generation MX-5 Miata and Spyder. The 2-passenger roadsters will place a priority on keeping things simple, and small. As we already noted a couple months ago, Mazda’s engineers are working hard to trim weight (reportedly as much as 200 lb.) from the 2014 Miata. This could be aided by the Japanese automaker’s growing lineup of SkyActiv models, which offer improved performance and fuel economy thanks to their significantly lighter chassis and powertrains. That same engineering approach will certainly be applied here.

For the moment, Mazda and Alfa are keeping the specifics of the arrangement under wraps. In a previous statement, the two companies said they would "develop two differentiated, distinctly styled, iconic and brand-specific lightweight roadsters featuring rear-wheel drive. The Mazda and Alfa Romeo variants will each be powered by specific proprietary engines unique to each brand." Judging from these artist illustrations – not official images, mind you, but a pretty good guess – it appears each car has its own unique shape and personality.

The next Miata should sport much more pronounced fenders and a blunter front and rear end. Horizontal bars and a large Mazda emblem dominate the bigger grille. Those over 6-foot have always struggled to squeeze into the Miata cabin, so expect Mazda to focus some attention on boosting interior room and comfort. Considering the car's ongoing weight loss regime, it’s possible Mazda could eliminate heavy and complex features like the current model’s optional retractable folding hardtop.

In comparison, the Alfa Romeo Spyder has a sleeker and more expensive look to it – no surprise, since the Alfa is likely to cost more. There is definitely a hint of the classic “boat-tail” Spyder that Dustin Hoffman drove in the film “The Graduate.” Unlike the wide-eyed Miata, the Alfa could feature LED-intensive lighting at the front and rear. Ornamentation and superfluous details appear to be kept to an absolute minimum on this Alfa. A character line runs from the front fender to the door handles, and that’s pretty much it.

These are pint-sized roadsters, so the engine lineup is guaranteed to consist of rev-happy 4-cylinders. We’ve speculated that Mazda could opt for a normally aspirated 1.8-liter, or turbocharged 1.3 or 1.5-liter engine. Personally, the latter options sound the most intriguing – come on, Mazda! Alfa can easily dip into the Fiat parts-bin and install the highly entertaining and turbocharged 1.4-liter MultiAir 4-cylinder into the engine bay for the Spyder. A choice of 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic equipped with paddle-shifters should be available in either vehicle. Expect Mazda to try to peg pricing as close as possible to the current Miata’s base price of approximately $25,000. We’d expect the Alfa price tag to fall closer to $30,000.

BMW i8 Concept Spyder

The BMW i8 Concept has officially lost its lid, as the Bavarian automaker’s fuel mileage masterpiece is being shown for the first time in convertible format. Intended to display BMW’s prowess when it comes to mpg-related technology, the i8 will be the range-topping model of the upcoming “i” brand. Additional vehicles in the range will include the i3, an electric-powered city car.

We’ve already spotted the i8 Coupe undergoing testing, wearing only minimal camouflage and looking almost identical to the concept version. BMW appears to be serious about expanding the range, even if the i8 will remain a niche product due a starting price that’s expected to be well over $100,000. A convertible version, if one does come to market, is likely to carry an even higher price tag.

The BMW i8 Concept Spyder has the same dramatic and flowing lines as the coupe, complete with a rollover bar that extends elegantly backwards to serve as the rear spoiler. As we’ve already noted with the i8 Coupe prototype recently spotted by our spy photographers, the doors swing upwards and forward, ensuring a touch of drama any time you exit or enter the vehicle. It’s a nice touch, and it’s good to see it being used in the drop-top variant.

Inside the Spyder’s 2-passenger cabin is a “layered” design with 3-dimensional displays, along with an exotic-looking mix of carbon fiber, leather and plastic surfaces. One notable piece missing from the design puzzle is the car’s top, or more to the point, whether it’s a removable hardtop or folds backwards somehow. There doesn’t appear to be an excess of stowage space in the i8 Spyder’s lean silhouette, so a folding top seems unlikely at this point.

Beneath the bodywork is the same all-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid powertrain found in the i8 Coupe. This includes a 131-hp electric motor linked to the front wheels, along with a 223-bhp turbocharged 1.5-liter 3-cylinder gasoline engine coupled to the rears. The combined output of 354 hp is enough to motivate the i8 Convertible from 0 to 62 mph in 5.0 seconds, according to BMW. Top speed is reportedly 155 mph.

The battery pack is located in the central tunnel, to ensure a 50:50 weight balance, and power can be routed to the front, rear, or all four wheels at the same time.

Like the i8 Coupe, when the lithium-ion batteries are fully charged the i8 Spyder has a pure electric driving range of approximately 19 miles. BMW states that the i8 can be recharged in less than two hours using a standard household outlet. A high-voltage alternator coupled to the gasoline engine provides extra power, or additional driving range, when needed.

Look for the BMW i8 Coupe to arrive sometime in 2014, with the Spyder variant to follow shortly thereafter.

Ford Mustang Sedan 2014

In a move certain to elicit praise from muscle car fans with kids—and perhaps an equally huge outcry from automotive purists with a fondness for coupes—Ford Motor Company has announced plans to introduce a sedan variant of the Ford Mustang. With sales of rivals, especially the Chevrolet Camaro, eating into Ford’s share of the pony car segment, the Dearborn automaker has decided to take a radical new approach by introducing this 4-door offering in 2014.

The horsepower battle that has been raging between Ford and Chevy recently culminated in the 650-bhp Ford Mustang GT500and 550-bhp Camaro ZL1. During the 2012 New York Auto Show, a 1000-bhp Mustang, the Shelby 1000, will be on display. While this kind of firepower is impressive for drag-strip figures, these ultimate speed machines make up only a tiny sliver of sales output.

Ford representatives explained that the addition of two doors makes the Mustang more user-friendly, and its spacious back seat will make the car appeal to an entirely new type of buyer. The benefit, at least from Ford’s point of view, will be a noticeable boost in sales output for the ‘Stang. Even though the Mustang will no longer be such a narrowly focused niche product aimed at enthusiasts, the new Mustang sedan will offer much the same performance as its coupe sibling.

While this prototype has the look of a Boss 302, production models will more closely mimic the look of the standard Mustang. The mechanicals are not confirmed, but we can assume the base engine will be the same 305-bhp 3.7-liter V-6 found in the Mustang coupe and convertible. A 412-bhp 5.0-liter V-8 will be optional, and buyers will have a choice of 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission

The ride and handling balance will undoubtedly lean toward comfort, if only because of the added length and expected weight gain. The 2014 Ford Mustang sedan is approximately 11 in. longer than the coupe, though the extra length is balanced by shorter front doors and a significantly reworked C-pillar. While a Boss 302 sedan like the one pictured is not all that likely, Ford reps have confirmed that even more changes could be in store for the Mustang.

A hybrid-powered variant, or possibly even a diesel version, could be introduced to increase the Mustang’s hitherto dismal ratings when it comes to fuel efficiency. The move might sound drastic, but stricter fuel economy regulations could force the muscle car and pony car market into even more unfamiliar territory. And think of all that torque!

Look for the 2014 Ford Mustang sedan to make an appearance later this year, possibly during the Los Angeles Auto Show, or in Detroit in early 2013. Sales begin next year, with pricing to be revealed closer to the on-sale date.

Bentley Continental GT Speed 2013

With a top speed of 205 mph, the 2013 Bentley Continental Speed GT is officially the British automaker’s fastest production model of all time. Under the hood of this all-wheel-drive grand touring machine is a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W-12 engine that delivers 616 bhp and, wait for it, a mammoth 590 lb.-ft. of torque.Bentley estimates the GT Speed accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds.

If anything, that figure sounds a little pessimistic to us. It’s worth noting the Speed GT’s performance bragging rights come at the expense of the range-topping Continental Supersports coupe which, incidentally, has a 5-horsepower advantage. The 621-bhp Supersports currently tops out at 204 mph. The Speed GT also boasts improvements to the steering and suspension systems, has a lower ride height, and rides on 21-in. alloy wheels wrapped in a set of (275/35) Pirelli PZero tires.

Bentley has even improved overall fuel economy, thanks to the fitment of a new ZF 8-speed automatic transmission that delivers a 12-percent improvement in fuel efficiency. Then again, that gain is tempered by the fact that the current Continental averages only 12 mpg city/19 mpg highway. It’s better, but this Bentley remains many miles away from being labeled frugal.

They also return a 40-percent improvement in mileage and CO2 emissions – a much more notable gain than the one offered by the Speed’s new W-12 engine. While cruising down the highway, or during other light throttle applications, the V-8 cuts power to four cylinders. Sounds great, except the entire reason for buying a Bentley is to punch the gas pedal whenever possible and get slammed backwards into your leather-lined seat.

Pricing for the GT Speed will be announced closer to when deliveries of the car begin in October. Interestingly, the company is already taking orders, despite the car not having an official sticker price. For the more fiscally responsible (yet still filthy rich) amongst us, the V-8 GT coupe and V-8 GTC convertible start at $174,000 and $191,400 when sales begin in the late summer to early fall of this year.

Jeep Grand Cherokee's 2013

The Jeep Grand Cherokee will have a shortened 2013 model year so that in January the Chrysler Group can introduce a diesel engine and eight-speed automatic transmission for the 2014 model, internal Chrysler sources say. Dealer orders for 2013 Grand Cherokees began this month. The 2013 model, which will begin production in August, will continue with the five-speed automatic that the Grand Cherokee has had since mid-2010.

In January, the Grand Cherokee will pick up an eight-speed transmission licensed from ZF Friedrichshafen AG and built at Chrysler's transmission plant in Kokomo, Ind. At about the same time, the Grand Cherokee will offer an optional 3.0-liter diesel engine from Fiat-owned VM Motori S.p.A. in the United States, a Chrysler source said. The 3.0-liter diesel is available already on the Grand Cherokees sold overseas. It is rated at 241 hp and 406 pounds-feet of torque. Mated with a five-speed transmission, the diesel delivers 23 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.

Chrysler-Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne said in January that the automaker would introduce a diesel for the Grand Cherokee in 2013. A Jeep spokesman declined to comment on the powertrain plan. Chrysler previously announced that the Jefferson North Assembly plant in Detroit where the Grand Cherokee is built will forgo the usual summer shutdown to keep up with demand for the hot-selling SUV. The factory also assembles the Dodge Durango. Chrysler said it will add a third crew of 1,100 workers to Jefferson North to boost production this November rather than after the first of the year, as had been announced earlier.

Sales of the Grand Cherokee have been brisk since it was re-engineered in the summer of 2010. Through May, Grand Cherokee sales are up 38 percent to 62,611 units. Introduction of the eight-speed transmission should greatly improve the Grand Cherokee's current fuel economy of 17 mpg city/23 mpg highway. When Chrysler replaced the five-speed automatic in its flagship sedan, the Chrysler 300, for the 2012 model year, its mileage rating improved from 18 mpg to 19 mpg city, and from 27 mpg to 31 mpg highway.

Ford Focus ST 2013

Ford Focus ST 2013

The 2013 Ford Focus ST picks up where the SVT version left off after the 2004 model year by transforming the pedestrian Focus--a nice but otherwise serviceable car--into a true enthusiast's ride, stuffing a high-output engine underhood, installing a sport suspension underfoot, dressing the interior with some serious seats and equipment and generally giving a performance nod to every aspect of the car.

Where your regular Focus models make do with a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-banger turning out 160 hp and 146 lb-ft of torque, the ST model gets the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine with all of its accompanying tech features: high-pressure direct fuel injection, turbocharging and twin independent variable camshaft timing. All of that adds up to 252 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque, with a trick overboost feature that allows for extending that peak torque for 15 seconds at a time.

Enthusiasts have more reason to rejoice: Every ST also gets the requisite six-speed manual gearbox; there are no automatic or dual-clutch transmission options available. And every ST sold in North America will be the five-door. European markets will get the option of a wagon but nowhere will the Focus ST be built as a sedan.

The suspension sees some serious revisions, too, from its stiffer springs and shocks to a beefed-up antiroll bar. The ride height has been lowered by 0.4 inch. But the bigger news is with the steering system, which gets completely redone for the ST and sports a variable-ratio steering rack. The setup reduces sensitivity when driving in a straight line, but quickens up nicely when cornering.

Standard across the ST lineup are a host of electronic features we particularly appreciated, including a stability control system with three levels of intervention (including completely off!), a torque-vectoring control system that acts like an electronic limited-slip differential and a cornering understeer control system that does exactly what its name implies.

The design really plays up the car's performance credentials, too, with revised front and rear fascias featuring more aggressive details, from the one-piece grille to the single center tailpipe. Below the front bumper the splitter dips lower and sweeps around the corners, with fog lamps inset deep and wide. The ST also gets unique 19-inch alloy wheels and an integrated roof spoiler.

Inside, all STs gets larger, thicker steering wheels, unique shifters and pedals and a dark headliner, as well as a unique gauge cluster for turbo boost, oil pressure and oil temperature. Up-trim ST2 cars add some nicely bolstered part-leather Recaro sport seats, dual-zone climate controls and an upgraded Sony audio system. ST3 models get full-leather, eight-way power-adjustable and heated Recaros, HID headlamps and a navigation system.

BMW Zagato Concept Vehicle Caught

BMW Zagato Concept Vehicle Caught

Earlier this year we had the luxury of laying our eyes on the Aston Martin V12 Zagato, an astoundingly rad vehicle that boasts some of the sexiest curves that we’ve seen since the last Victoria’s Secret run way show.  Zagato, an Italian couture car designer has now applied their touch to a BMW Z4 and crafted what we believe to be a coupe like no other.

Unfortunately, not too much is known about the vehicles, but it’s pretty evident where Zagato applied their touch.  Needless to say, the car is very reminiscent, at least in terms of aesthetic layout to that of the Aston Martin version.  It’s said that Zagato managed to crank output up to 400hp from the existing straight 6 3.0 liter engine, which is 60 more than the stock setup.

Nevertheless, hit the video above if you want to see and hear the car in action at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este from last weekend.