Merging a compact SUV with the power of a small sports car, the Audi RS Q3 Concept ($TBA) is sure to be a blast — should it ever make it into production. Powered by a 2.5 TFSI engine producing 360 hp, the RS Q3 zips from 0-62 in 5.2 seconds, tops out at over 164 mph, and features a seven-speed S-tronic transmission, quattro all-wheel drive, exterior upgrades like a honeycomb grille, tinted headlights, and a carbon fiber-reinforced polymer front spoiler, and interior niceties that include a glass sunroof and a black interior with dark blue accents.
As SUVs go, few have retained their basic look for as long as the G-Class. The 2013 Mercedes-Benz G-Class ($TBA) continues the tradition with LED daytime running lights and new exterior mirrors serving as the only standard exterior changes, but adds other improvements like the latest COMAND infotainment system with mbrace2, new safety features like Blind Spot Assist, PARKTRONIC, and adaptive cruise control, and a new G63 AMG variant with an eight-cylinder biturbo engine and the ECO stop/start system. Expect 388hp from the G550 and 544hp from the G63, both of which should be arriving at a dealer near you this August.
Second-gen car models are almost always better than the first — the company gets valuable real-world feedback from drivers, and goes about fixing the issues. We're not sure how many issues there were to fix on the original, but we can tell you that the Porsche Cayenne GTS ($82,000 and up) likely addresses them all. Based on the Cayenne S, the GTS sports a 420 hp V8 paired with an eight-speed Tiptronic # transmission and all-wheel-drive, resulting in a 0-60 time of 5.4 seconds and a top speed of 162 mph. Other features include high-gloss black trim, 20-inch RS Spyder wheels, upgraded brakes from the Cayenne Turbo, eight-way adjustable front sport seats, and a Sport Chrono package to more closely monitor the improved performance. Arriving this August.
If you had any doubt from the recent onslaught of pro-Detroit commercials from both Dodge and Chrysler that the once-beleaguered automaker was back, the 2013 Dodge SRT Viper ($TBA) should be all the further proof you need. Available in SRT and SRT GTS variants, this fifth-generation racer will sport a massive mid-engine 8.4L V10 pumping out an estimated 640hp, a six-speed manual transmission, a new driver-selectable two-mode suspension system powered by Bilstein DampTronic Select shock absorbers, Brembo brakes, all-new carbon-fiber hood, roof, decklid and aluminum door panels, bi-xenon headlamps, and a host of high tech features that drag the venerable Viper name squarely into the 21st century.
The Los Angeles based craftsmen at Refined Hardware have finally released their second edition of luxury timepieces. These industrial conceptions are the ideal extension for the modern man, and follow the highly sought after, and sold-out, 'P1' edition. The 'P2' will showcase a flying tourbillon movement encased in your choice of billet stainless steel, PVD black steel, or a hand-finished bronze. A necessity for any connoisseur, only 33 pieces of each variant will be crafted so you better order yours today.
Its Karma didn't exactly set the world on fire — in fact, some of its batteries kept the car from even moving — but that hasn't stopped Fisker from carrying on. The Fisker Atlantic ($TBA) is a new, sporty four-door plug-in hybrid that packs both a host of lithium-ion batteries to drive either the rear or all four wheels and a four-cylinder gas engine that acts like a generator to recharge the cells when you're driving long distance. Few specifics are known beyond its drivetrain, glass roof, LED tail lamps, and hyper-aggressive looks, but you can rest assured that it won't be cheap.
Based on last year's i8, the new BMW i8 Spyder Concept ($TBA) takes the company's experimental hybrid line to new heights with a two-section folding roof, upward-opening doors, and slightly updated — and improved — looks. Other features include a 131 hp electric motor to drive the front wheels, a 223 hp turbocharged gas three-cylinder powering the rear wheels — a setup that allows for front-wheel, rear-wheel, or all-wheel drive, as well as 78 mpg fuel economy — 50:50 weight distribution, a 0-62 mph sprint of five seconds, a top speed of 155 mph, and copious use of lightweight materials. Did we mention that it also sports two electric scooters under the rear glass panel? Like we said, it's a concept.
We wouldn't call it pretty — in fact, it's pretty far from it — but that doesn't make us want the Jeep Mighty FC Concept ($TBA) any less. Based on the Jeep Forward Control of the '50s and '60s, the Mighty FC features a full-length cargo box, minimum overall length for superior maneuverability, a cabin that sits atop the front axle, Mopar Portal Axles, a Corsa stainless steel exhaust, a Warn winch, and looks so burly they make compact pickups weep.
Meet the new king of killer convertibles. The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG ($TBA) is the tri-star's latest flagship drop top, powered by a 6.0L V12 biturbo engine pumping out a ridiculous 621 hp, mated to an AMG Speedshift 7-speed transmission, and good for a 0-60 time of 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 186 mph. Other highlights include an all-aluminum body, a new "twin-blade" grille, electromechanical AMG speed-sensitive steering, available carbon ceramic brakes, and a host of high-end technology including a roof that can go from light to dark with the push of a button, a Bang & Olufsen surround sound system, and a neck-level heating system for those chilly summer nights.
No, not that kind of Diesel. The Ducati Monster Diesel Motorcycle ($14,000) is based on Ducati's Monster 1100 EVO, and designed by Diesel's fashion stylists, led by company founder Renzo Rosso himself. The result is a powerful street bike that is as notable for its military-inspired green and matte black color scheme as it is for its fantastic performance. [Scouted by David]
Who said compact cars have to come with a compact list of amenities? The 2013 Mercedes-Benz A-Class ($TBA) brings the build quality and interior refinement MB's known for to the compact segment, with a 1.6L or 2.0L engine offering between 115 and 211hp, hooked up to either a six-speed manual or 7G-DCT dual-clutch automatic transmission, an optional iPhone hookup that uses a special app to give you full functionality, and plenty of safety features like adaptive Brake Assist and Collision Prevention Assist. It doesn't look to shabby, either, but unfortunately for us Yankees there's been no word of a stateside release.
We have no idea if it will ever make it into production, but if you're a fan of the old school looks of the Morgan Electric Plus E ($TBA), you should certainly hope so. Powered by a 94 hp Zytek engine, the Plus E features a five-speed manual gearbox, a convertible top, a range of 120 miles, a 0-62 mph time of six seconds, and a top speed north of 110 mph.
You've seen the video. Now drive the car. The infamous Otis Maybach ($TBA) driven by Kanye and Jay-Z in their video for the Grammy award-winning "Otis" is coming up for auction. This 2004 Maybach 57 was customized to the max, with the doors removed and mounted as wings, the front grille stuck to the back, an oversized, fire-spewing exhaust, and a crude sheet metal body kit placed over the wheels — and with all the proceeds going to benefit East African drought sufferers, you can feel a little better about spending your dough on what's now essentially a glorified golf cart.