VIDEO:BMW Official confirms 5-Series Diesel for U.S.

[Insideline]

BMW will sell a diesel-engined version of the BMW 5 Series in the United States, according to a report in Inside Line.  Quoting an unidentified source, the blog notes that the automaker has yet to reveal several important details.

The company has not said which diesel engine will be on offer in the States.  The range is sold with three diesel choices, starting with the base 2.0-liter inline-four that produces 184 hp (137 kW, 187 PS) and up to 280 ft-lb of torque.  Two inline-six 3.0-liter models are sold, with one producing 204 hp (152 kW, 207 PS) and up to 332 ft-lb, while the other kicks out 245 hp (183 kW, 248 PS) and up to 398 ft-lb.

A release date for the US-spec 5er Diesel was not disclosed.

VIDEO:Lexus' LX570 gets Invaded by ASI

[Carscoop]

Japan's tuning specialist, ASI, thinks the Lexus LX570 full-size SUV needs a good ol' bump in styling and performance.

The tuner's Invader package takes care of the looks, although there has been no news yet of what engine upgrades are supplied. With the basic 5.7 liter churning out 381 horsepower, any intake/exhaust/ECU tuning would likely bring that number above 400.

ASI has bigger plans than just the standard tune-job, though, with a nigh-600 horsepower package on the way. It should run to 60 in under 5 seconds.

Unfortunately there's only one image to go from, so all that can be said is this: the body kit's nose looks decent, if a tad over the top (e.g. that front bumper is about 6 inches too tall). Lose the lower lip / fog light area and move everything higher.

Actually, forget that. It's not like owners would have to worry about off-roading, anyway. Honestly, who takes their Lexus LX to the trails?

Dealer Selling Jean Alesi's Ferrari F1 Scuderia Tipo 642 Racer

[Astcollection]

If you're looking to buy a genuine F1 race car this may be your chance. A Florida-based dealer has put up for sale a 1991 Ferrari F1 Scuderia Tipo 642 racer with chassis No. 126.
The seller claims that the car, which is powered by a 3.5-liter V12 engine linked to a seven-speed gearbox, was used in the 1991 Formula One season by French driver Jean Alesi who had then just signed for Williams Ferrari.
After being replaced by the Tipo 643, this car was rebuilt and prepared for private sale by the Ferrari factory at the end of the same season. Now it could be yours for a 'mere' US$700,000 or about €565,000 at today's exchange rates. More details and pictures after the jump.

Seat Announces Sporty Looking Ibiza SC Sport Limited Edition

Seat has announced the availability of a new special edition version of its three-door Ibiza SC (Sports Coupe) for the German market. The Ibiza SC Sport Limited comes in a Lamborghini-like "Lumina Orange" finish and only with the not-so sporty 105HP 1.6-liter petrol engine. The production run will be limited to 300 cars.
The specialness of the car comes from an extra equipment package that adds value via numerous features.
On the outside, the Ibiza SC Sport Limited is distinguished by the 17-inch alloy wheels finished in black and shod in beefier sport tires, an aerodynamic kit with a new front bumper, side skirts, roof spoiler and a unique rear bumper housing faux air vents on both corners, a diffuser and two tail pipes mounted centrally.
In addition, the car's rooftop and exterior mirrors are finished in black.
The two-tone color theme is continued inside as the air-vent rings, gearbox knob, door panel trims as well as the seams on the thick-rimmed steering wheel and sport seats are all finished in orange. The aluminum pedal set and additional standard features such as rain sensors and park assist system complete the package.
The new Ibiza SC Sport Limited is priced at €20,620 or at today's exchange rates, about US$25,500 (including taxes).

VIDEO:New Skoda Superb Fastback Design Concept

[Autodesign&styling]

With Volkswagen and Audi both featuring what marketers and advertising agencies like to call "four-door coupe" models in their range (the Passat CC and A5 Sportback respectively), one wonders why the German group hasn't added a similar model to their more mainstream brands, Seat and Skoda.
Czech architect and designer Pavel Hrubyi decided to take matters in his own hands (or so to speak) and draw a four-door coupe, sportback, fastback or whatever else you would like to call it, proposal for the Skoda brand based on the firm's range-topping Superb saloon.
Hrubyi completely redesigned the Superb II from the B-column and back adding a more rakish roofline and getting rid of the production model's frumpy rear end with the dual opening boot lid.
Even though it's just a drawing, the end result looks quite promising. Maybe the folks over at Skoda should take a look at this.

Fiat Lancia Coupe and Ypsilon Designs Surface

There is absolutely no surety whether Fiat will ever go ahead with the production of Lancia Coupe but some mysterious images found on the official site are now hinting at a different probability. Indeed, there wasn’t a single image but a number of images showcasing different designs of the Lancia vehicles. Some familiar designs included the Fulvia and GT Stilnovo, while a couple of designs were seen for the first time. The Ypsilon which is slated for a replacement was also included in the mysterious set of images. It seems that Fiat is in the mood to surprise us in the near future.