Corvette fans, the time has come to book a flight to Detroit – General Motors has announced that the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 will make its formal debut at next month’s North American International Auto Show in motor city.

Precious few official details about the next-generation Z06 are available, but GM says the car will be “the most track-capable Corvette ever, designed to deliver supercar levels of performance through unique powertrain, chassis and aerodynamic features.”

GM’s statement also confirms that the sports car will retain its current badging, rather than adopting the Z07 moniker as some reports had speculated.

At this point, the new Z06′s powerplant very much remains shrouded in mystery. Rumors have suggested that a supercharged or twin turbocharged variant of the standard Corvette Stingray’s LT1 V8 – sized at 6.2-liters, or potentially with a smaller displacement – could be utilized. Regardless of what ends up in the engine bay, look for at least 600 horsepower to be on tap.

A teaser image reveals that the 2015 Z06 will be fitted with carbon fiber side skirts and fender flare extensions in addition to mean-looking dark finish alloy wheels.

Following its unveiling in Detroit, the 2015 Z06 will enter into production in late 2014.

One of the most hotly anticipated new models in recent times, the redesigned 2015 Ford Mustang will soon be making its official debut – but that didn’t stop Autoweek from publishing photos of the Blue Oval’s new ponycar just days ahead of its formal debut.

The Autoweek issue was posted to SVTPerformance.com. Additional photos were published by Time Magazine.

A number of details were also leaked by the magazine, including that the redesigned ‘stang will sport nearly identical dimensions to the current model – aside from a 2-inch wider rear track – but will weigh 200 lbs. less due in part to aluminum front fenders. An independent rear suspension will finally be fitted, and a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder will also be offered. The options list will include Performance Packs with a limited-slip differential for both four- and eight-cylinder models, while the latter will also get 15-inch Brembo brakes with six-piston calipers.

Inside, the Mustang will be available with Ford’s controversial MyFord Touch infotainment system, but the setup will include physical knobs and buttons for the HVAC system. A proximity key will be standard on all models.

Ford has confirmed that it will unveil the new-generation Mustang at 12:01 am on December 5, with the debut taking place simultaneously in six cities on four continents – Dearborn, Los Angeles, New York, Barcelona, Shanghai and Sydney. Stay tuned for the Mustang’s official debut on Thursday.

Don’t know what to expect from the reborn ‘Stang? We have all of the latest intelligence and spy shots available for your perusal.

Spy Shots
Although Ford’s engineers have done a particularly good job covering up the Mustang before it debuts, our spies have managed to sneak the most revealing peek yet into the new coupe’s cabin.

Not only can we see the deeply-scalloped three-spoke steering wheel and heavily-bolster seats, we can now see how the automaker’s MyFord Touch infotainment system will be integrated. Also, we have confirmation that ventilated seats will accompany a power driver’s seat backrest as new-to-Mustang features.

A start/stop button and toggle switches also help liven up the ‘Stang’s dashboard, which looks to be a giant leap forward compared to its rather dull predecessor. One question that remains is whether the Mustang will have a launch control system; the traction control switch shown here could do double duty.

Speaking of switches and knobs, we’re pleasantly surprised to see that the new Mustang won’t feature the controversial capacitive touch switches seen in some other recent Ford products. That said, the Mustang doesn’t include the radio preset buttons that made a comeback in the Ford F-Series recently.

We also can’t tell if this test car is an automatic or a manual gearbox model, although we’re leaning toward the former. The gear lever shown is a big departure from the current automatic, but it looks like the top of it is a toggle-style shift interlock switch.

Outside the Beast
Just weeks ago, our spies sent us the most revealing photos yet of the next-generation 2015 Ford Mustang.

Snapped during high-performance testing at a race course, the new images reveal a front end that clearly draws influence from the Evos concept, although the details have been massaged for a slightly more muscular look. In place of the concept’s narrowed headlights are larger units that invite comparison to the Fusion sedan, while the grille is an aggressive rendition of Ford’s latest hexagonal design.

The photos published in Autoweek clearly indicate that the Mustang is a fusion between the Evos and the current Mustang. A

The interior photos also show off just what the coupe’s C-pillar will look like, which gives us a hint as to the car’s overall proportions.

This latest round of photos also included some shots of an especially aggressive brake and tire combination, which really makes us wonder what’s going on with this particular test car.

V8 Soundtrack Caught on Video
A video recently surfaced online showing the new Mustang in action. Crank up your speakers because you can hear the new Mustang’s V8 for the first time.

The video was posted to Mustang6g.com.

What We Know So Far

On the powertrain front, base model 2015 Mustangs will likely continue to use the existing 3.7-liter V6, but a turbocharged four-cylinder 2.3-liter EcoBoost with around 305 horsepower will join the range as a step-up option. Ford’s 5.0L Coyote V8 will remain under the hood of the new Mustang GT, but power should grow from today’s 420 horsepower to about 450 horsepower.

If industry whisperings are to be believed, the most potent form of the pony car – which could be badged as the Shelby GT350 – will use a naturally-aspirated V8 in place of the current Shelby GT500′s supercharged bent-eight.

The 2015 Mustang will initially debut with six-speed transmissions, but a 10-speed automatic co-developed with GM will eventually be offered.

The underside of the ‘Stang is in line for a major overhaul – the car will make the switch from a solid rear axle to an independent setup for 2015, which should net a more compliant ride.

Of course, the 2015 Mustang won’t be the first version of the pony car to employ an independent rear suspension, as the 1999-2002-era SVT Cobra also used an IRS.

Look for the next-generation Ford Mustang to make its first public at the Detroit auto show in January of 2014.

A new report finds Lexus will travel to next March’s Geneva Motor Show to unveil a production-bound compact crossover aimed squarely at the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque.

Official details are not available, but rumors claim the crossover will be heavily influenced by the LF-NX concept that was presented in Frankfurt last September and again in Tokyo last month. The concept will be toned down for production but the harsh, chiseled lines are expected to remain.

Interestingly, both concepts accurately previewed the production crossover’s drivetrains. When it goes on sale, the LF-NX will be offered with a 220-horsepower gasoline-electric hybrid drivetrain consisting of a small electric motor and a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, and a brand new gas-burning 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine fed with a turbocharger. Power will be sent to either the front or all four wheels via an automatic transmission.

The turbo four will be Japanese automaker’s first turbocharged engine. After debuting in the crossover, it will be gradually replace the existing 2.5-liter V6 and find its way under the hood of a wide variety of upcoming Lexus vehicles.

The crossover will boost Lexus sales around the world but company executives are not looking to catch up to German rivals.

“We don’t want to copy BMW and we are certainly not chasing BMW and Mercedes volumes. Our focus is to keep the brand very individual,” explained Richard Balshaw, the director of Lexus’ British arm, in interview with Auto Express.

If the rumor proves true, look for official information about the production variant of the Lexus LF-NX to emerge in the weeks leading up to its debut in Geneva. Following its public unveiling, the crossover will go on sale across the United States and Europe in the summer of 2014.

Boutique automaker Saleen has announced it is preparing to unveil a new concept car that will closely preview an upcoming supercar.

“We recognize that electric cars are a trend, not a fad and expect this vehicle category to continue to increase as an automotive option for consumers,” stated company CEO Steve Saleen. “We intend to enter this market with an offering that is truly innovative and offers the styling and craftsmanship associated with the Saleen Automotive brand. The rapid pace of advancements in electric vehicle technology makes our entry into this market sector timely and should expedite completion of this project.”

Saleen did not provide any details about the yet-unnamed supercar but the firm promises it will be different than any other EV on the market today. Although pure speculation, the car could be billed as a heir to the potent S7 and ambitiously take on the McLaren P1 and the Porsche 918 Spyder.

A full set of details about Saleen’s yet-unnamed electric concept will emerge over the coming months. Look for the car to debut at a major auto show in the first half of next year.

Saleen specializes in making aesthetic and mechanical modifications to muscle cars like the Ford Mustang and the Chevrolet Camaro but it dabbled in the expensive world of supercars when it launched the S7 in 2000. Powered by a naturally-aspirated 7.0-liter Ford-sourced engine, the S7 was capable of sprinting from zero to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds and reach 100 mph from a stop in 7.1 seconds.

Tesla Motors, the maker of the Model S sedan, is once again using the promise of a new pickup truck plant as a way to coax state regulators into relaxing traditional dealer franchise laws.

After offering Texas a new pickup truck plant in exchange for the ability to sell directly to customers, Tesla has taken its act on the road and is now offering a similar deal to Ohio.

In an interview with the Columbus Dispatch, Neil Clark, a lobbyist representing Tesla, revealed that Ohio is “under serious consideration” for Tesla’s proposed pickup truck plant, but only if state regulars shoot down a new bill that would bar the company’s selling model. Set to hit the House floor for a vote as early as this afternoon, Senate Bill 137 would bar Tesla’s direct sales method.

Unlike most automakers, which sell their vehicles through franchise dealerships, Tesla wants to own its retail locations and sell directly to customers. However, most states have laws against that kind of manufacture involvement, which has sparked a number of legal battles, including in Texas.

Ohio doesn’t currently have a law that bans an automaker from owning its own dealership, but SB 137 would change that. Tesla is scheduled to open its first Ohio dealership in Columbus this week, with a second slated to open its doors in Cincinnati on December 13. If voted into law, SB 137 wouldn’t take effect for 100 days, meaning those stores could remain open. However, Tesla’s plans to open locations in Cleveland, Akron and Dayton would be in serious jeopardy.

Though not ‘truck country’ like Texas, Tesla says Ohio offers “a compelling case” for a pickup truck factory. Automakers like Honda and Chrysler have major operations in Ohio, and many of the industry’s suppliers are located in the Buckeye State.

It should be noted that Tesla has yet to confirm concrete plans to produce a plug-in pickup truck.

Zydrunas Savickas, known as the world’s strongest man, has set a new Guinness world record for the ‘Most Cars Pulled By One Man’ thanks to a little help from Nissan.

Nissan recently caught wind of Savickas’ world record attempt and decided to get in on the action by loaning 12 Nissan Notes (sold here as the Versa Note) to the five-time World’s Strongest Man champion. Equipped with a special harness and rope arrangement, Savickas pulled the 12 Notes – totaling a jaw-dropping 28,530 pounds – five meters in just 32.9 seconds.

The feat would have been even more impressive last year as the new Note is 46 pounds lighter than its predecessor.

Although Nissan’s name will now be linked to the world record, the Japanese automaker had more than just the history books in mind when it devised the stunt. The world record pull took place in Druskininkai, Lithuania, where jurors are currently convening to select the Lithuanian Car of the Year.

“We at Nissan like setting records and are always aiming high. Today we are delighted to have been able to help Zydrunas set another world record and to see so many people turn out to support him; it was a great way to mark the end of the Lithuanian COTY camp,” said Taina Erkkila, Communication Director of Nissan Nordic Europe.

Porsche has released a new video detailing the design effort behind the company’s latest Macan SUV.

Although not a “true” Porsche in the minds of most purists, the automaker’s design team went to great lengths to incorporate a few of the company’s signature design cues. Some of those elements include a front fender shape borrowed from the company’s iconic 911 and a seamless hood lifted from Porsche’s classic racing cars.

The video also explains that the Macan’s 3-D taillights will become a signature design feature of all Porsches going forward.

Based on the Audi Q5, the Macan features a sleek silhouette that is quickly become the norm in the sporty SUV category. To back up those go-fast looks, the Macan comes standard with a 3.0L V6 rated at 340 horsepower. A 400 horsepower 3.6L V6 can be had in the up-level Macan Turbo.

Sometime down the line Porsche will also offer the Macan with a four-cylinder engine.

The Porsche Macan will arrive in dealer showrooms early next year with a starting price just over $51,000.

Partially boosted by Black Friday sales events, most foreign and domestic automakers saw sales increase last month. One of the most notable movers was Chrysler Group, who sold 16 percent more cars than in November of 2012. With a total of 142,275 vehicles sold, Chrysler posted its 44th consecutive year-to-date sales gain and its best November since 2007.

Often written off as moribund, Lincoln surprised analyst by posting a 17.4-percent increase and Mitsubishi’s sales increased by an eye-popping 70 percent. Subaru is continuing its unprecedented upwards trend with a 28-percent year-to-date increase, and Volkswagen’s Audi division set its fourth consecutive annual sales record in the United States with a month to spare.

Volkswagen sales are down nearly all across the board but the company’s diesel-powered models are quickly gaining ground. Oil-burners made up 21 percent of sales in November of 2013 and 24 percent of year-to-date sales, a record for the Wolfsburg-based automaker.

Fiat 500 sales plummeted by 41 percent last month, driving the automaker’s year-to-date numbers down by 16 percent.

Below are early sales numbers – check back often over the course of the day, we’ll update the list regularly as automakers continue to report their results.

November’s Numbers

- Acura up 19% to 14,559
- Audi up 13% to 13,636
- Buick up 13% to 15,072
- BMW up 2% to 31,752
- Cadillac up 11% to 16,172
- Chevrolet up 13% to 145,089
- Chrysler up 12% to 21,024
- Dodge up 4% to 41,506
- Fiat down 15% to 3,075
- Ford up 7% to 183,722
- GMC up 20% to 35,727
- Honda down 2% to 101,948
- Hyundai up 5% to 56,005
- Infiniti up 7% to 13,152
- Jaguar up 103% to 1,446
- Jeep up 30% to 45,415
- Kia up 11% to 45,411
- Lamborghini up 5% to 46
- Land Rover up 25% to 4,601
- Lexus up 13% to 25,611
- Lincoln up 17% to 6,727
- Maserati up 326% to 887
- Mazda down 4% to 20,754
- Mercedes-Benz
- MINI down 13% to 4,575
- Mitsubishi up 70% to 6,071
- Nissan up 11% 93,376
- Porsche up 3% to 3,966
- Ram up 25% to 31,255
- Subaru up 30% to 36,621
- Toyota up 11% to 147,465
- Volkswagen down 16% to 30,727
- Volvo down 31% to 4,233

2013 Year-to-Date Numbers

- Acura up 7% to 149,685
- Audi up 13% to 141,048
- BMW up 7% to 149,685
- Buick up 16% to 190,130
- Cadillac up 25% to 164,378
- Chevrolet up 7% to 1,793,632
- Chrysler flat at 282,222
- Dodge up 16% to 548,654
- Ford up 12% to 2,202,150
- Fiat down 1% to 39,491
- GMC up 10% to 407,781
- Honda up 8% to 1,240,372
- Hyundai up 2% to 657,778
- Infiniti down 4% to 103,223
- Jaguar up 41% to 15,408
- Jeep up 1% to 437,179
- Kia down 3% to 501,548
- Lamborghini up 6% to 506
- Land Rover up 15% to 44,246
- Lexus up 12% to 239,090
- Lincoln down 1% to 73,710
- Maserati up 55% to 3,715
- Mazda up 5% to 260,983
- Mercedes-Benz
- MINI flat at 59,910
- Mitsubishi up 4% to 55,804
- Nissan up 11% to 1,0535,439
- Porsche up 22% to 39,077
- Ram up 23% to 331,815
- Subaru up 28% to 384,511
- Toyota up 8% to 1,742,111
- Volkswagen down 5% to 373,689
- Volvo down 9% to 56,345

Note that last month’s highlights and lowlights listed below are merely a selection of some of the month’s bigger movers.

Highlights (sales up > 40%)
- Audi R8 – up 56%
- Chevrolet Malibu – up 41%
- Dodge Dart – up 44%
- Ford Fusion – up 51%
- GMC Acadia – up 108%
- Infiniti QX70 – down 54%
- Lincoln MKZ – up 113%
- Mitsubishi i-MiEV – up 99%
- Nissan Maxima – up 52%

Lowlights (sales down > 30%)
- Fiat 500 – down 41%
- Ford C-Max – down 50.5%
- Nissan Cube – down 60%
- Volkswagen Passat CC – down 52.3%
- Volkswagen Touareg – down 46.6%

Fiat has reportedly come to terms with its Chinese joint-venture partner to locally produce Chrysler’s all-new Jeep Cherokee compact crossover.

After just a few weeks of negotiations, Fiat has reached an accord with Guangzhou Automobile Group Co. to build the Jeep Cherokee at a new plant in the Panyu district of Guangzhou. Fiat was originally pushing to build the Cherokee at its underutilized plant in Changsha, but backed off that plan after Guangzhou Auto insisted on using the new facility.

The Cherokee is now set to become the first vehicle built at the new Guangzhou factory. Recently approved by the Chinese government, the plant will carry a price tag of $770 million and will initially have the capacity to build 60,000 vehicles annually.

Fiat is banking on local Cherokee production to help the company secure a bigger slice of the Chinese market. Jeep was actually the first foreign auto maker to setup a manufacturing base in China in 1983, but the off-road marque ended production in the country in 2006.

Because Jeep does not produce vehicles in China, its vehicles are subject to heft fees. For example, the Jeep Grand Cherokee typically retails for about $30,000 in the United States, but carries a price tag of $95,000 in China.

Photo by Nat Shirley.