Ford has introduced a track-tuned version of the limited-edition Shelby GT350R designed to compete in the remainder of the 2015 IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge.
Called GT350R-C, the race car is surprisingly close to its street-legal counterpart inside and out. It is fitted with roughly the same body kit, but it ditches the 350R’s carbon fiber wheels in favor of alloy units made by BBS. Although interior pictures are not available, the coupe is expected to feature a built-in roll cage, a digital instrument cluster and a single Recaro bucket seat.

The GT350R-C packs an unmodified 5.2-liter V8 engine that sends 526 horsepower and 429 lb-ft. of torque to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission and a Torsen limited-slip differential. Performance specifications have not been published yet, but Ford promises the GT350R-C stays glued to the road thanks to a thoroughly revised independent suspension system that stiffens the ride and makes the coupe sit noticeably lower.

Raced by long-time Ford partner Multimatic Motorsport, the 2015 Shelby GT350R-C will hit the track for the very first time this weekend at Watkins Glen. It will have to fend off stiff competition from cars like the Porsche 997, the Nissan 370Z, Ford’s own Mustang Boss 302R and the Chevrolet Camaro Z/28.R, which currently leads the highly-competitive Grand Sport class.

Chevrolet has published two teaser images that preview the upcoming 2017 Bolt.
The photos confirm the production version of the Bolt will be very close to the eponymous concept that Chevrolet presented earlier this year at the Detroit Motor Show. The people-mover gets more realistic door handles and smaller wheels, but its overall silhouette appears to have made the jump from concept to production with only minor modifications.

Visually, Bolt will get a Volt-inspired front fascia with sharp headlights and a thin grille, while the rear end will feature horizontal tail lamps connected by a light bar. Designed primarily for crowded urban centers, it will be easy to maneuver thanks to compact dimensions and a tight turning radius.

The Bolt will be powered by a brand new all-electric drivetrain that will offer a maximum driving range of at least 200 miles, but more precise technical details are being kept under wraps.

Built in Orion Township, Michigan, the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt is tentatively scheduled to greet the public for the first time next year either in Detroit or in New York. It will go on sale across the nation next spring with a base price of approximately $30,000, though whether that figure is pre- or post-federal incentives is an open question. Regardless, Chevrolet believes it can sell anywhere between 20,000 and 30,000 examples annually.

Ford’s F-150 pickup was all-new for the 2015 model year, but that hasn’t stopped the company from introducing a slew of new options for the 2016 edition.
Buyers will be able to choose from two new special-edition appearance packages, available for the XLT and Lariat trims levels. Dark-themed exterior upgrades include 20-inch dark-painted wheels with red lettering, black running boards, smoked headlamps and body graphics, among other tweaks.

The special-edition interiors have been outfitted with Alcantara seat inserts, red contrast stitching, red bolsters and red accents on the steering wheel, gear selector and instrument panel.

The 2016 F-150 also receives Ford’s latest infotainment technology, known as Sync 3. The system is claimed to offer improved voice recognition, faster performance and a simplified graphical interface.

The company has already detailed its Pro Trailer Backup Assist technology, which makes its debut for 2016. Drivers can watch a rearview monitor in the center console and intuitively guide the steering via a control knob, allowing inexperienced haulers to launch a boat or back into a driveway without struggling.

Ford has not yet announced an arrival date or pricing details for the 2016 F-150.

Lotus has detailed North American launch plans for its new range-topping coupe, the Evora 400.
The British automaker is centralizing its operations in Michigan to support further growth on the continent, relocating its Lotus Cars USA operations from Georgia to the current Lotus Engineering campus in Ann Arbor.

The company has also expanded its dealer network to include 47 outlets, adding two dealers in California (West Covina and Thermal), one in Arizona (Scottsdale) and another in Alberta (Calgary).

“North America, as the largest sports car market in the world, is important for Lotus, both for model sales and for our engineering consultancy business,” said Lotus chief Jean-Marc Gales. “By having both of our USA organisations located in Michigan, we shall be within the heartland of the USA automotive sector, where the headquarters of some of the most important, influential and significant automotive manufacturers and suppliers are based.”

Introduced early this year in Geneva, the Evora 400 improves upon the basic Evora coupe with a revamped 3.5-liter supercharged V6 engine that produces 400 horsepower and 302 lb-ft of torque. The lightweight sports car promises to reach 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds, eventually topping out at 186 mph.

US buyers will be able to pick up an Evora 400 this December, with pricing set at $89,900.

Live images by Ronan Glon.

As promised, Alfa Romeo has pulled the veil from its stylish Giulia sedan.
Confirming last-minute leaks, the resurrected Giulia brings a distinctive design that emphasizes ‘taut’ and compact proportions, very short overhangs, a long hood and muscular haunches.

The sedan introduces an all-new rear-wheel-drive architecture, with engine and other hefty components arranged between the axles for a perfect 50/50 weight distribution. Its wheelbase is also said to be the longest in its segment, promising maximum stability and comfort, while all-wheel-drive will be available for certain trim levels.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles ‘Skunkworks’ engineers developed a new double-wishbone system for the front suspension, along with a semi-virtual steering axis that is said to maintain a constant caster trail in corners. Electronically-actuated adaptive dampers further refine the handling experience.

The Giulia introduces a new double-clutch torque-vectoring system that manages power delivery to each wheel without interference from the stability-control system. The sedan also will be among FCA’s first vehicles with a new Integrated Brake System that combines stability control with a traditional servo brake for quick response and “record-breaking stopping distances.”

Full details surrounding powertrain options remain unclear, though the company is not shy about details of the Quadrifoglio edition. The range-topper integrates a “Ferrari-inspired” turbocharged V6 with 510 horsepower, providing more than 75 extra ponies compared to the rival BMW M3. Extensive use of carbon fiber keeps weight down to less than 6.6 pounds per hp, or less than 3,400 pounds overall, presumably for the Euro-spec package.

FCA claims the Giulia Quadrifoglio can reach 62 mph from a standstill in just 3.9 seconds, slightly faster than the M3. The package also features an active aero splitter to improve downforce and cornering grip at high speeds.

Additional details, including global launch plans and pricing, are expected to be announced in the near future.