ALL AUTOCARS

A definite classic footage of 2 unyielding drivers.

Gazoo Racing has came out a new car based on the Toyota iQ minicar. Available exclusively in Japan in a limited run of just 100 units, the Toyota iQ Gazoo Racing MN is based on the JDM front-wheel drive iQ 130G. While the 1.3-liter engine remains stock, Gazoo replaced the JDM model's CVT with a 6-speed manual gearbox and upgraded the brakes and chassis with a stiffer sport suspension that lowers the mini's ride height by 30 mm while the car also gets a sport exhaust system.

The special edition iQ rides on blacked out 16-inch alloy wheels wrapped in beefier sport tires while there's also a new bodykit with front and rear aprons as well as side skirts and a roof spoiler plus optional racing decals. Interior mods include newly styled gauges, aluminum pedals and sport seats. The iQ GR MN is available for order now in Japan with first deliveries expected in November. While the sporty iQ won't be making it outside Japan, according to recent reports, Toyota's premium city car could go on sale in the States under the Scion brand in the fall 2010.

Porsche has revealed their new 911 GT3 Cup factory race car. Based on the 911 GT3 RS, the GT3 Cup features a 44mm (1.7") wider rear body (to accommodate larger tires), a 15mm (0.6") lower front spoiler lip (for more downforce on the front axle), and a larger rear wing (for additional downforce on the rear axle).

Weighing just 1,200 kg (2,646 lb), the car is outfitted with light-alloy 18-inch wheels, a fully controlled catalytic converter, a special racing exhaust system, adjustable front and rear anti-roll bars, and optional ceramic composite brakes that weigh 20 kg (44 lb) less than traditional composite cast brakes.

Power comes from a horizontally-opposed 3.8-liter six-cylinder engine that produces 450 bhp (331 kW) at 8,500 rpm. While no official performance figures have been announced, the GT3 Cup should accelerate from 0-100 km/h in less than four seconds before hitting a top speed in excess of 314 km/h (195 mph). The 911 GT3 will be launched on this October with the prices starting at €149,850.

German well known tuner, Lumma Design has released the all new E50 CLR sports package based on the Mercedes Benz E-Class. Surprisingly, Lumma's bodykit looks like it could have come straight out from Merc's factory. Forget about huge fender flares and awkward looking spoilers. The classy bodykit includes a new front apron with integrated daytime running lights (LEDs optional), unobtrusive side skirts, a roof spoiler attached on the rear windshield, a new rear bumper that houses the diffuser and a new Carbon/Kevlar trunk lid with an integrated lip spoiler.

For the interior, the package includes sport pedals made of milled aluminum, new graphics for the speedometer and unique floor and trunk mats. A sport suspension module lowers the E50 CLR 25mm over 20-inch alloy wheels (available in different designs) that are shod in 245/30 R20 Michelin tyres up front and 285/25 R20 at the back.

Finally Lumma offers several engine upgrades, the most powerful being for the E500 which gets a 62 horsepower and 20Nm bump for an overall output of 450HP and 550Nm of torque, while there's also a new sport exhaust system with 4x90 mm tail pipes.