Ford Fiesta ST

Ford is wrapping up development on the Fiesta ST.
Caught undergoing testing on the Nürburgring, this prototype is slightly more camouflaged than previous models. Despite this, the production car will feature modified fascias, a tailgate-mounted spoiler, a sport-tuned suspension and a dual exhaust system.

Under the hood, power will likely be provided by a 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine that produces 180 hp (134 kW / 182 PS). It will be connected to a six-speed manual transmission, but a six-speed automatic will also be optional.

Acura TL

Since the current-generation TL was introduced in 2008, though, we’ve been unable to get over a couple of significant shortcomings: an automatic transmission that missed the six-speed boat—making do with only five forward ratios—and that awful beak. For 2012, Acura has attempted to address these complaints.

Now That We Have That Out of the Way

First, the styling. That you should defend your products to the death is PR 101, but even Acura folks admit that, if there was one deal breaker that potential customers cited when choosing other cars over Acuras, it was the TL’s, um, controversial styling. The 2012 update should help. The stylistic changes might not have much effect in pictures, but seeing the 2011 and 2012 models side by side proves that the numerous small alterations did help.

RMR Hyundai Veloster rally car

There are more famous racing families than the Millens, but not many. While Steve Millen was closely associated with Nissan, his brother and nephew have long been associated with Hyundai That nephew is Rhys Millen, the drifting champion we know and love. And this is the latest tool of his trade.

Rhys Millen Racing started with the new Veloster coupe that debuted last month at the Detroit Auto Show and stripped it down to nothing. They stripped the chassis to its bare metal, soaked it in alkalai for five days and then reinforced the welding. They replaced the metal body panels with carbon/Kevlar to cut 75 percent of the shell's weight, dropping the scales down to 2,656 pounds. The company stripped out the interior and fitted a custom eight-point roll-cage, firewall and Sparco bucket. What's more, the Veloster rallycross car uses an unspecified custom long-travel suspension, with 18-inch HRE wheels, Hankook rubber and 14-inch Alcon brake discs (12-inch in the back) gripped by six-piston calipers all around.