Toyota Motorsports has released a slew of official photos and an accompanying video of the 2014 Lexus RC F GT500 race car undergoing testing at Okayama International Circuit in central Japan.

The high-pitched howl is that of turbocharged, direct-injection 2.0-liter inline-fours laying down 500hp, the result of a new set of rules governing the GT500 class of Japan’s Super GT series. Though the newly engineered mills have half the cylinders of last year’s Lexus SC430-bodied racers with their 3.4-liter V8s, the power generated is about the same.

However, in preliminary testing the RC F, along with its rivals the Honda NSX and Nissan GT-R, all surpassed Okayama Circuit’s previous lap record. The fastest run of 1:21.072 was achieved by Hiroaki Ishiura behind the wheel of the number 39 Denso Kobleco RC F.

In total, Lexus will field six two-driver teams for the 2014 Super GT season. Last year’s champions, Yuji Tachikawa and Kohei Hirate, were seen testing their ZENT-sponsored RC F earlier this month, but the solid red livery has been replaced with an eye-catching red-and-chrome graphic treatment.

The first race of the 2014 season kicks off this April 5. Note, however, that this car is different from the 540hp, V8-powered Lexus RC F GT3 that will compete in Europe.

Tentatively called V90, Volvo’s next wagon will reportedly retain the Concept Estate’s sporty silhouette but pack a noticeably longer wheelbase and four doors. The front end will make the jump to production essentially unchanged, meaning the V90 will boast T-shaped LED daytime running lights and a floating radiator grille with horizontal slats.

The V90 will be powered by Volvo’s new Drive-E engine family which includes several turbocharged four-cylinder engines as well as a four-cylinder with both turbocharging and supercharging technology. German magazine Auto Bild reports the wagon will pack anywhere between 120 and 306 horsepower depending on what lies under the hood.

A plug-in hybrid model powered by Volvo’s new Twin Engine technology will join the lineup later in the production run. The drivetrain will use a turbo four and a small electric motor linked to a compact battery pack to return what Volvo promises will be class-leading gas mileage.

Scheduled to land in showrooms in 2015, the 4C Spider will be essentially identical to the 4C Spider Concept that bowed earlier this month at the Geneva Motor Show. It will be equipped with an integrated roll bar and a removable roof panel made out of a lightweight material such as carbon fiber.

While the 4C coupe features oft-criticized headlights that give it a bug-like look, the Spider will come standard with regular units expected to be similar to the ones found on the concept. Interestingly, coupe buyers will be able to order their car with the more conventional units at no extra cost.

Power will come from a turbocharged and direct-injected 1.7-liter four-cylinder engine mounted behind the seats. The four-banger will send 240 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. of torque to the rear wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The 4C Spider will reach 62 mph from a stop in approximately 4.5 seconds and go on to a top speed of over 155 mph. Brembo brakes on all four corners will keep the power in check.

The 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider could greet the public for the first time next October at the Paris Motor Show and go on sale in the U.S. shortly after.