Callaway has a solution for those who want a supercharged Corvette, but aren’t interested in waiting until the end of the year for Z06 sales to begin.

The Connecticut-based tuning firm has announced an SC610 performance kit that uses an Eaton twin-vortex blower to increase output from the Corvette’s 6.2-liter LT1 V8 to 610 horsepower and 556 lb-ft of torque.

Those power figures represent significant improvements over the standard ‘vette’s 460 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, although they fall short of the 625 ponies and 635 lb-ft of twist produced by the 2015 Z06.

Callaway says that the SC610 is capable of sprinting from zero-to-60 mph in just 3.4 seconds, and can dispatch the quarter mile in 11 seconds at 125 mph.

More than just an engine upgrade, the SC610 also includes a high-flow intake and a stainless steel exhaust system. Visual upgrades are present in the form of unique badging and the supercharger itself, which extends through the hood in menacing fashion.

Buyers can choose from a wide array of optional extras, including a coil-over suspension with adjustable dampers, upsized brakes, a short-throw shifter, several carbon fiber body panels, special nine-spoke wheels and a “Deutschleder” interior package.

Full pricing details haven’t yet been released, but Callaway says that an SC610 kit with all available options will add $22,995 to price of a standard Corvette. A three-year/36,000-mile warranty will be part of the package.

Hyundai could be planning a new performance-minded version of its 2015 Genesis that would combine the sedan’s optional 5.0L V8 with the stability of its newly available all-wheel drive system.

Hyundai rolled out its “HTRAC” all-wheel drive system as a new option for the 2015 Genesis, but for some reason the Korean automaker decided to pair the system exclusive to the V6 version of the four-door. Those wanting the performance of Hyundai’s Tau V8 will have to settle for rear-wheel drive.

However, that could change shortly after the Genesis’ spring launch. Hyundai spokesman Miles Johnson revealed to Auto Guide that Hyundai execs are seriously considering a performance model that would mate the HTRAC system with the Genesis’ optional V8. Johnson noted that Hyundai brass think “there may be a market demand for such a model.”

Hyundai is no stranger to performance sedans as the previous Genesis was available in sporty R-Spec guise. Although that model was rear-wheel drive only, it offered a 429 horsepower version of the Tau V8, 19-inch wheels and a sport-tuned suspension.

Photo by Mark Elias.

Fiat will miss a self-imposed deadline to acquire the remainder of Chrysler by the close of business today.

When Fiat announced on January 1 that it had come to terms with the UAW’s health care fund to buy the remaining 41.5 percent stake in Chrysler for $4.35 billion, the Italian automaker stated that the deal would be completed by January 20. Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne even indicated that the transaction could be completed sooner.

However, that self-imposed deadline is now here, and it doesn’t look as though Fiat will be able to hold up its end of the bargain. Today is Martin Luther King day, which means most major financial institutions are closed.

The Detroit News tried to reach out to the UAW for comment, but was unable to reach anyone. A Chrysler spokesman declined to comment on the matter.

When Fiat finally does seal the deal, it will own 100 percent of Chrysler. Fiat has owned a controlling stake in Chrysler since the Auburn Hills-based automaker emerged from bankruptcy in 2009.

United Auto Workers president Bob King believes he will be able to unionize Volkswagen’s plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, before he leaves office in five months.

The UAW has desperately been trying to organize at least one foreign-owned car plant in order to offset sliding membership, but has so far come up short. The UAW has made the most headway with VW, with King recently making the bold prediction that the union will represent the German automaker’s Tennessee factory by the time he leaves office in June.

“I think and hope it will be soon,” King told Automotive News. “We’ve got a very strong majority there. I’m confident once we agree on the process that the workers will choose to have UAW representation.”

Per UAW rules, King will have to retire from office in five months when his term as union president is up.

VW execs have welcomed the idea of union representation in Tennessee, but so far not much progress has been made. While UAW representation at the plant is still a possibility at this point, but it remains to be seen if a deal can be realistically made by mid-year.

Nissan has reached a major milestone, selling its 100,000^thLeaf electric since the car was introduced in 2010.

Nissan announced on Monday that it has delivered its 100,000^th Leaf plug-in. The milestone-setting vehicle, a UK-built model finished in Tekna in white, was sold to British buyer based in Hampshire.

“For such a revolutionary car, to achieve this sales milestone in such a short space of time is a major achievement,” said Guillaume Cartier, Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing, Nissan Europe.

He added: “Don’t forget that when Nissan LEAF was launched in 2010, the charging infrastructure was in its infancy. But that didn’t deter the pioneers who immediately appreciated the benefits of a purpose-designed electric vehicle.”

In order to celebrate the sales feat, Nissan commissioned a unique Leaf covered in 50,000 two pence Sterling coins from the UK and 50,000 two cent Euro coins from Europe. Nissan covered the Leaf in two-cent coins to show that its running costs are just £0.02 per mile and less than €0.02 per kilometer.

The running costs of that particular coined-covered Leaf are likely significantly higher than the standard version of the car, however, as all of that coinage added more that 1,100 pounds to the car’s curb weight.

Cartier promises that the Leaf’s second 100,000 sales will take fewer than three years.