Subaru has announced that the redesigned 2015 WRX STI will make its debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit later this month.

No official details are available, but as with previous STIs, “a WRX on steroids” will likely be an apt description of the new model.

Look for it to build on the 2015 WRX with more power, a firmer suspension and sportier styling. As our spy photos indicate, an oversized rear wing will again be part of the package.

What will lurk in the engine bay remains a mystery; the existing turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-four could continue to be used, albeit with revisions, while a more potent version of the WRX’s new 2.0-liter turbo is another possibility. A six-speed manual will almost certainly be the STI’s standard gearbox, though whether it will follow in the tiremarks of the WRX by offering an optional CVT automatic is unknown.

Rumors have suggested that the hatchback variant of the STI will be relegated to the history books, leaving a sedan as the only available bodystyle.

Don’t forget to check back on January 14 for the full story on the new-generation Subaru WRX STI.

The Los Angeles County coroner’s office has concluded that speed was a major factor in the November crash that killed Fast and Furious star Paul Walker.

According to the 15-page report released by the corner’s office on Friday, the 2005 Porsche Carrera GT carrying Walker was traveling at “approximately 100+ mph” when it spun out of control and struck a light pole and a tree. Walker and the vehicle’s driver, Roger Rodas, died almost immediately after the crash.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is currently working with Porsche engineers to decipher the Carrera GT’s so-called black box, according to CNN. That information will reveal specific details of the crash, such as throttle position, air bag deployment and if either victim was wearing a seat belt.

Walker was on break from filming the seventh installment of the Fast and Furious franchise when the accident occurred. Universal Pictures, the company behind the movie, initially halted production of the film, but recently stated that Fast and Furious 7 will arrive in theaters in April 2015. The film was originally scheduled to debut this summer.

Anyone with $100,000 can walk into a Nissan dealer and drive away in a brand new GT-R, but securing the pink slip to an iconic Skyline GT-R is a little more tricky. The Skyline GT-R was never sold on these shores, and the feds frown upon any gray market imports.

However, federal rules lax after 25 years, meaning a vehicle from the 1989 model year can now be brought into the country, provided all the necessary paperwork and fees are in order.

It just so happens that 1989 was the first year for the third-generation Skyline GT-R, and one enthusiasts has already managed to get the 276 horsepower turbocharged coupe into the United States. Fan site GTRUSABlog.com reported on January 1 that a man named Trevor brought the first street-legal Skyline GT-R into the U.S. Via Canada.

Not much else is know about the first legal Skyline GT-R to land on these shores, but we’re sure it won’t be the last.

Lotus’ latest Elise S Cup R has made its global debut at the Autosport 2014 show. Lotus announced plans for the track-only Elise in November.

The Elise S Cup R is based on the road-going Elise S, but features a few track-worthy changes. The coupe’s mid-mounted 1.8L engine carries over relatively unchanged, but its ECU has been reworked to meet the demands of road racing. The Elise S Cup R also wears a bespoke aero kit that includes a front splitter, winglets, rear diffuser, floor extensions and rear wing.

Combined with a more buttoned-down suspension, Lotus says the Elise S Cup R is 4 seconds faster around a 2.2 mile course than the standard Elise S.

“Developing the Elise S Cup R was a natural step following the success of the Exige V6 Cup and Cup R; with so many new markets becoming interested in motorsport, the Elise S Cup R gives us the perfect entry level track-car,” said Rupert Manwaring, Head of Lotus Motorsport. “Whether the focus is racing or simply developing your driving skills on a race circuit and having fun, the incredible handling and ease of use with low running costs make the Elise S Cup R an intelligent choice.”

Although the Elise is no longer available in the United States, the Elise S Cup R will be available on these shores as its racing designation skirts federal vehicle requirements.

Ford has appointed former General Motors executive Don Butler to lead its new global vehicle connectivity department.

Ford announced on Friday that Butler, 50, will assume his position as the company’s new executive director of connected vehicles and services effective immediately.

“Not only does Don understand the connected car landscape, but probably just as important, he understands customer expectations,” said Raj Nair, group vice president, Global Product Development. “Having a leader with technology experience both inside and outside the industry is a rare combination – we’re excited to have Don join our team.”

Butler most recently held the position of Cadillac marketing vice president within GM. Butler has also help leadership positions in GM’s Pontiac, Chevrolet and OnStar divisions.

After exiting GM, Butler served as vice president for telematics startup INRIX.

Ford’s appointment of Butler coincided with the company’s announcement that it will roll out Sync Applink to 3.4 million vehicles already on the road. Launched in 2010, Sync Applink gives drivers access to apps like TuneIn, NPR and iHeartRadio via a smartphone connection.