Images that preview the next-generation Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG have surfaced. To be clear, these pictures do not show an actual C63 AMG, but a 2015 C-Class dressed up in an AMG Line body kit.

The standard Benz C-Class was only revealed on December 16 of this year, so if the company keeps with traditional release schedules the hotted up C63 AMG will likely debut as a 2016 or later model. In the meantime, the AMG Line appearance package, leaked by German blog Mercedes-Benz Passion, will allow buyers to have the aggressive look of an AMG variant without the concomitant cost or drivetrain upgrades.

The AMG Line’s nose is distinguished by a chrome chin spoiler and a wire mesh element in the lower air intakes. Side skirts and polished aluminum window trim differentiate the side view. From the rear, a diffuser and vents in the bumper set it apart from the standard C.

The suspension is dropped 15mm (0.6 inches) and cross-drilled front rotors with “Mercedes-Benz” branded calipers can be seen through new 18-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels. Engine and power upgrades are not part of the package.

The AMG Line will be made available as an option alongside the standard C-Class upon its release later next year.

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The car is being engineered jointly by Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus and an Italian design studio called GranStudio. The team is still fine-tuning the design but early teaser sketches suggest the 003 will wear an aerodynamic three-wing silhouette and borrow a sizable amount of styling cues from cars that compete in the LMP1 class of the grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans race.

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In response to a rumor that emerged earlier this month, Volkswagen’s Czech Republic-based Škoda division has confirmed it is developing a four-door coupe based on the Octavia sedan. The yet-unnamed car could be presented as a thinly-veiled concept next March at the Geneva Motor Show.

Škoda was initially planning on introducing a two-door version of the Octavia but it gravitated towards a four-door coupe for practicality reasons. Riding on Volkswagen’s modular MQB platform, the car will stand out from the more conservative Octavia thanks to bold triangular LED headlights and similarly-shaped tail lamps, sculpted flanks and a low roof line. Large alloy wheels will finish off the upmarket look.

The yet-unnamed Octavia four-door coupe will be offered with a wide range of Volkswagen-sourced four-cylinder engines including a 140-horsepower 1.4-liter TSI and a new 2.0-liter turbodiesel with an output of 150 horsepower. Buyers will be able to choose between a manual and an automatic gearbox.

A range-topping vRS-badged model will arrive later in the production run with a GTI-sourced 2.0-liter four-cylinder mill rated at 220 horsepower. A diesel-burning model with a 184-horsepower 2.0-liter TDI engine borrowed from the Golf GTD will round out the lineup.

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The Fiat 500 line will soon include a five-door hatchback. Engineers are reportedly working at present on the new body style, which could see a release date of 2015 when the second-generation 500 debuts.

Design cues remain consistent with the retro-styled 500, according to images obtained by AutoExpress. Dual-element headlights remain a key part of the identity, but are elongated to better wrap around the more rounded front end. The A-pillars also have a steeper rake than the current 500 while squared off wheel wells give the fenders and haunches a more muscular look.

The 500 five-door is part of Fiat’s aggressive expansion plans that will see $12.4 billion invested in new product. The 500 already exists in seven forms: standard, turbo, and Abarth for the original body, plus a 500c convertible (itself with an Abarth variant), 500e electric vehicle and 500L wagon. Additionally, in 2014 Fiat plans to launch a 500x crossover, and the 7-passenger 500L Living.

Fiat design head Lorezno Ramaciotti is quoted as saying the future of Fiat’s brand development will run on “two rails.” The 500 line will spawn emotional and more upscale models, while the Panda line, with an upcoming model to rival the Nissan Qashqai (Rogue), will serve those looking for practical cars.

Engines will likely be shared with the rest of the Fiat 500 family, which caps out at a 1.4L four-cylinder. Size-wise, it will compete with the Ford Fiesta. The five-door will be built on the current Fiat Punto chassis and replace the 20-year veteran of Fiat’s lineup.

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Honda’s recently released Vezel crossover, the third-generation Fit, and its N-series kei cars will soon take center stage at the 2014 Tokyo Auto Salon, Japan’s equivalent of SEMA. Though the Vezel is barely a week old, having gone on sale in Japan on December 20, offering a slew of modification options upon release is a necessary part of doing business in Japan’s customization-happy climate.

Vezel Merchants

Mugen’s Vezel, developed by the tuning house and long-time Honda partner, will be one of two modified examples of the Fit-based crossover on display.

Joining it on stage will be the Vezel Modulo Concept, which features a sportier aero kit and larger wheels splitting the difference between the base and Mugen versions in terms of aggressiveness. Presumably a sport suspension is part of the package but details have yet to be revealed. Modulo is the name for Honda’s in-house tuning accessory division and all parts are available at dealerships as genuine Honda accessories.

Custom Fit

2013 also saw the Japanese debut of the third-generation Fit, which immediately became a best seller, taking the place of the now-discontinued-in-Japan Civic. Though this latest iteration won’t show up on US shores until the Detroit Motor Show — with a summer 2014 on-sale date — the Japanese aftermarket has already taken to it like ducks to water.

Honda will show an in-house tuned Fit Special Customize, whose appearance and details are being kept mum at the moment. Mugen, on the other hand, has already released their Mugen Fit RS, based on the RS sport trim level.

All N the family

Despite a heavily contested segment, Honda’s been on a roll with its N-Series kei cars. In particular, the N-One hatchback, whose styling harkens back to the 1967 Honda N360 and the sportiest of the bunch, has been well received in the home market. The N-One Module Concept will feature a new front fascia with large grille, ally wheels and a sporty two-tone paint scheme with matching mirrors and racing stripes.

In addition, Honda will also be debuting four N-One based track cars for competition in a one-make spec racing series.

Not to be left out, Mugen will also display a modified version of the N-Wgn with sleek body kit and four-spoke alloy wheels.

A rugged, “trail shoe” themed N-Box + Element and a youth branded N-Wgn Macaron Color Collection round out the kei display.

All the Rest

Honda has had a busy year. The fifth-generation JDM Odyssey went on sale in November, so naturally there will be a Mugen version on display. Honda will also display a number of motorcycles, including four Grom bikes inspired by the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

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Subaru is keeping official details under wraps until next week but rumors indicate the production-bound Levorg will be nearly identical to the concept that previewed it. The Levorg will take the form of a station wagon that will stretch about 184 inches long, 70 inches wide and 58 inches tall, dimensions that will make it slightly bigger than an Impreza but several inches smaller than an Outback. Its aggressive front end will borrow design cues from the all-new 2015 WRX.

With room for up to five passengers and their gear, Subaru’s latest wagon will be fitted with a straight-forward, function-oriented dashboard. Well-equipped models will come with a touch screen-based infotainment system.

Subaru will put a big emphasis on safety and the Levorg will be offered with a host of high-tech features such as Lane Departure Prevention Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking Control and Lane Keeping Assist. The automaker’s highly-regarded EyeSight technology will be available on all models.

Entry-level Levorg models will be powered by an all-new 1.6-liter flat-four engine that is both direct-injected and turbocharged, while more expensive variants will use a 2.0-liter flat-four that will churn out 295 horsepower and 295 lb-ft. of torque. Both engines are expected to transfer power to all four wheels via either a manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Following its debut next week, the Levorg will arrive in dealerships across Japan on May 2nd. Expect the wagon to gain a different nameplate if Subaru chooses to distribute it in the United States.

Live images by Ben Hsu.

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Outside, the Delta gets a minor facelift that brings sharper headlights with LED daytime running lamps and a more aggressive bumper. Side skirts come standard on all models while the rear end features modestly redesigned tail lamps, a new bumper and two chrome-plated exhaust tips. Buyers are asked to choose between 12 body colors – including five two-tone motifs – and five alloy wheel designs ranging from 16 to 18 inches.

The interior gains new trim on the dashboard and on the center console as well as two upholstery colors. Most trim levels come standard with Bluetooth connectivity, and the Delta can be fitted with a touch screen-based infotainment system at an extra cost.

Mechanically, the Delta is offered with a 1.6-liter MultiJet four-cylinder engine that produces either 105 or 120 horsepower. Linked to a six-speed manual gearbox that spins the front wheels, the 120-horsepower engine sends the hatchback from zero to 62 mph in 9.8 seconds and on to a top speed of 121 mph.

Buyers looking to trim their fuel budget can order the 120-horsepower mill ready to burn liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) straight from the factory. The LPG conversion does not have an effect on performance.

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