Dutch sports car maker Spyker is apparently alive and well despite its rocky acquisition of Saab. Although Saab has gone the way of the Dodo, Spkyer is still looking to do anything and everything necessary to survive and become a viable business again.

In addition to securing short-term funding to ensure continuation of operations, Spyker’s founder and CEO Victor Muller announced that the company is ready to move forward with its latest concept car. The Spyker B6 Venator Concept, shown alongside the Spyker C8 Aileron at the 83rd Geneva International Auto Show in March 2013, showed that the brand was ready for resurgence. Muller promised that the car was just the beginning of a new era for the brand, one that will include a significant increase in production.

The B6 Venator Concept is two-door, mid-engine sports car that will go into production in 2014. The car is will land in Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific and India, and it will reach US showrooms in autumn 2014.

Since its unveiling, Muller said the response has been very positive and Spyker is confident that the company will be able to build a strong order book for the B6 Venator. A convertible version is also in the works and should make its initial debut later this year.

“Spyker is alive and well and on the back of the B6 Venator the Company will enter into a new era,” said Muller. “One in which we will carefully proceed and build up our most prized asset, the Spyker brand, with great care.”

Kia is looking to move up-market. Like Hyundai, the brand is looking to do that with an all-new luxury sedan. With a base price just under the $40,000 mark, it’s a far cry from the economy brand we’ve become familiar with.

The new Cadenza is Kia’s first full-size sedan in the U.S. It’s aimed at going to head-to-head with economy full-size models like the Chevrolet Impala, Ford Taurus, and Toyota Avalon, as well as luxury and near luxury models like the Buick LaCrosse, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Lexus ES 350, and Nissan Maxima.

“The all-new Cadenza is a world-class Kia for the emerging space between mainstream and luxury and will appeal to discerning shoppers in the market for an upscale sedan,” said Tom Loveless, executive vice president of sales, KMA. “We’re confident that Cadenza’s sophisticated styling, luxuriously appointed cabin and long list of available technology will make it a strong contender in the marketplace.”

At first blush a $40K Kia may sound like a tough sell, but considering all the success of the Hyundai Genesis there’s plenty of hope for the Cadenza. Hyundai’s full-size Azera is also finding success in a crowded segment. Plus, value is assured thanks to a slew of great standard features, including navigation, 12-speaker sound system, dual-climate control, heated leather seats, backup camera, and UVO infotainment services. Under the hood is a potent 293-horsepower 3.3-liter V-6 mated to a six-speed automatic, which is on par with competitors.

Other features available on the Cadenza include Nappa leather, panoramic moonroof, and a range of safety technologies that include HID headlights, adaptive cruise control, a blind spot monitoring system, and a lane departure warning system.

Kia is already one of the world’s fastest growing automaker brands, but it’s growth rides on the shoulders of vehicles like the Optima, Sportage, and Soul—vehicles that offer a lot for a little. Although the Cadenza follows that strategy, it’s certainly a new direction for Kia in terms of size and overall sticker price. All said, the Cadenza will make the brand’s lineup extremely comprehensive, helping to entice existing customers stay within the Kia family at the very least.

As urban environments continue to grow and become more impacted, automakers are considering new ways for people to move from one place to another. At the recent Seoul Motor Show, Hyundai was among the latest automakers to explore what might become the future of personal urban mobility.

Hyundai’s E4U is an egg-shaped, Segway-like vehicle that’s just big enough for one. It’s all-electric and can reach speeds of nearly 20 miles per hour. Power comes from a 24V battery attached to a 500W electric motor.

Like a Segway, it’s able to be controlled with subtle tilting and pivoting. The 180-pound vehicle rides on semispherical balls and the driver must tilt the egg to move in a particular direction. 
Even though it’s intended to be driven a low speeds, the E4U’s egg-shaped design was intended to improve aerodynamics.

There’s no word yet on whether Hyundai has any plans to put this into production–chances are we won’t be seeing these things buzzing around anytime soon. But, it’s yet another indicator that personal urban mobility is increasingly to automakers. Take a closer look at this quirky vehicle in action below.

Click here to view the embedded video.

With winter coming to an end, Japan’s Super GT racing season is about to begin. Nissan’s NISMO division has already begun preparing its cars, drivers, and engineers for the challenges ahead.

But while hard work is crucial, they realize that a bit of luck is also necessary to be successful in racing. That’s why NISMO invoke the spirt of the samurai to help guide their impending campaign. They perform the same rituals that were performed long ago when warriors would head into battle.

“At that time just before [samurai] went into battle they wished and prayed for the safety of all the people and winning,” said NISMO’s president Shoichi Miyatani. “This is a good opportunity for all the employees of NISMO and the team directors and drivers to get together and feel united as one, and go for the winning.”

Last year, Ronnie Quintarelli and his co-driver Masataka Yanagida won the championship, their second successive victory, in the S Road REITO MOLA GT-R. This year, NISMO is committed to continuing that momentum. Despite a long layoff, drivers are eager to hit the track and take their GT-Rs to victory.

“I’m excited,” said J.P. de Oliveira, who will be racing in the Calsonic Impul GT-R. “We haven’t raced in a while. I love to race. Testing is one thing but racing is when things get really serious, and you need to focus on the result. I’ve been looking forward for the first race. Okayama is a track that I like and I can’t wait to get in the car and do the qualifying and the race there.”

A few moments after pouring sake on the hood of the No. 23 NISMO Works GT-R, NISMO drivers and engineers cleaned the car and loaded it onto a truck. It’s now ready to be shipped to Okayama where the first race of the Super GT season will get underway.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Hybrids are increasingly making their way onto the racetrack so it’s no surprise that more road-going sports cars are likely to get electric propulsion in the coming years. The Nissan GT-R is the latest car rumored to get a hybrid powertrain when the next-generation debuts.

The current generation won’t be going anywhere soon, to the delight of many. It will stick around at least until 2015, and even possibly as late as 2017. With each passing year, Nissan has been content to tweak and improve Godzilla, helping it making blast through Germany’s famed Nurburgring and the like faster and faster.

But when the current R35 does retire, rumors suggest the next model will have very similar dimensions, albeit with with a fresh design language. It will also get a more efficient powertrain to help it meet more stringent emissions regulations here in the U.S. and abroad. According to Motor Trend, that means the next GT-R may utilize “some electronic device” to help improve Godzilla’s mpg numbers.

Nissan has a few options at its disposal. One is using a hybrid powertrain similar to the one fitted to the Infiniti Essence concept that made its debut back at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. That would also entail a smaller V6 engine and a number of other enhancements to keep the GT-R’s already substantial weight to a minimum. After all, batteries and electric motors add considering weight, so Nissan engineers will be faced with the challenge of shaving pounds.

Another option of Nissan is adding a turbo compressor and generator setup, which is said to still be in the testing phase. This is intended to merely assist the current powertrain and would employ a newly fitted drive motor fitted inside the GT-R’s rear transaxle. Since this option is more evolution than revolution, Nissan would likely still use technologies like start-stop and cylinder deactivation to curb CO2.

Following the GT-R’s run at last year’s Nurburgring 24-hour race, Nissan chief engineer Kazutoshi Mizuno said that the data collected from the race would help the current GT-R perform through 2017, when a significant revision would likely debut. When that time comes, it’s safe to expect exciting new technologies and a car that’s lighter on it’s feet. It’s also safe to say that 2017 can’t come soon enough.

Toyota has a solid reputation being eco-friendly, thanks to its ever-expanding Prius family and its range of hybrid offerings. But the automaker is experimenting with other eco-friendly vehicles that utilize fewer than four wheels.

The automaker’s all-new i-ROAD made a big splash at the recent Geneva Motor Show. This three-wheeled concept is designed to easily maneuver through urban environments, but don’t call it a motor cycle just yet–Toyota called it a Personal Mobility Vehicle.

However you classify it, the i-ROAD seats a driver and passenger sit in tandem style. At 850 mm wide, it’s not that much bigger than a large traditional motorcycle. But because the cockpit is enclosed, occupants don’t need helmets. And because occupants aren’t exposed to the elements, it’s perfect for all seasons.

Another characteristic that the i-ROAD shares with a motorcycle is the way it turns. The vehicle actually tilts through turns, but does so without input from the driver. Instead, the i-ROAD uses computer-controlled Active Lean technology that automatically balances the vehicle.

Powering the i-ROAD is an all-electric powertain. There’s a two-kilowatt motor in each front wheel producing a total of five horsepower. Power is supplied by a lithium ion battery that allows for a range of around 30 miles.

While the i-ROAD may be a clever new, flexible form of transport for city-dwellers, there’s no word yet on whether Toyota plans to put it into production. Until then, find more information below.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Hyundai brought a revamped Equus sedan to recent New York Auto Show, signaling that the brand is quite comfortable wooing luxury buyers. The brand clearly intends to continue its move upmarket  as well, as evidenced by the  HND-9 Genesis concept.

Making its debut at this week’s Seoul Motor Show, the HND-9 Genesis is a preview of the brand’s next-generation luxury sports coupe. Although Hyundai was tight-lipped regarding specifics, the  HND-9 will most certainly influence numerous models in Hyundai’s future lineup, including any successor to the Genesis Coupe.

Under the long hood of this concept resides a turbocharged and direct-injected 3.3-liter V6 engine that produces 362 horsepower. All that power is routed through an eight-speed automatic which sends power to the rear wheels.

The concept features bold character lines that helps convey a muscular stance. A wide, hexagonal-shaped radiator grille adds to the athletic, high-performance look. However, designers from Hyundai’s design center in Namyang, Korea were able to balance aggression with a premium aesthetic.

“HND-9 will give customers a glimpse of Hyundai’s future luxury sports coupe models,” said Suk-Geun Oh, head of Hyundai Design Center. “Representing an evolution of Hyundai’s ‘Fluidic Sculpture’ design philosophy, the rear-wheel drive sports coupe concept balances high performance with a sophisticated image.”

While many of us were undoubtedly fixated on the New York Auto Show, Hyundai has clearly saved some of its most tantalizing vehicles for South Korea. Find more details on the HND-9 posted below.

In a relatively short amount of time, Nissan has made a name for itself in the commercial vehicle segment with the introduction of two new vans. One is the full-size NV2500. The second van is the NV200, which has already been named the “taxi of the tomorrow” due to its upcoming role as the official taxi cab in the Big Apple.

Fittingly, Nissan decided to show off fresh applications of its NV200 at this week’s New York Auto Show. The Gibson NV200 Mobile Repair & Restoration Van was the result of a partnership with legendary guitar manufacturer Gibson. The van is intend to be used by an authorized Gibson rep to make guitar repairs or restorations on the road.

“The NV200 Compact Cargo van’s small footprint makes it ideal for maneuvering in tight places, which is perfect for both urban music venues and crowded outdoor concerts where space is at a premium,” said Gibson CEO Henry Juszkiewicz. “The large cargo bay with standard integrated mounting points and available cargo hooks help make the vehicle configurable and customizable to suit the needs of a working guitar technician.”

Inside and out, the van is designed look like a classic Gibson guitar. It features loads of wood veneer and shades of brown and black. The interior boasts a guitar rack that holds four instruments, a sliding 56-inch long repair table, toolbox, genuine Gibson stools and a sound system by Gibson Pro Audio. All of these enhancements are intended to show-off just how versatile the NV200 can be.

“The Nissan NV200 Compact Cargo van is perfect for small businesses, entrepreneurs and dreamers,” said Joe Castelli, vice president, Commercial Vehicles and Fleet, Nissan North America. “By partnering with Gibson on the NV200 Mobile Repair & Restoration Van, we’re showing the ultimate expression of what can be done with this vehicle for those with a viable business concept, a little creativity and with a starting price of $19,990**, an appreciation of great value. As this is a van meant for trades, vocations and working people, we couldn’t be more excited than to see it put to good use in the hands of some of the most skilled craftsmen in the world.”

Nissan feels that the The Gibson NV200 Mobile Repair & Restoration Van is the ideal response support vehicle for professional and part-time musicians in need of timely repairs because the van is also efficient. It delivers a class-leading combined fuel economy of 24 mpg, thanks to its 131-horsepower 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine matched with an efficient Xtronic CVT® transmission. With its roomy and flexible interior and fuel-sipping powertrain, it’s ready for the open road and can easily log as many miles as a touring band can handle.

Castelli added, “Gibson and Nissan are both Tennessee-based companies that build products worthy of consumer passion yet suitable for everyday use. We’ve sought a way to combine forces for many years now, and the introduction of the 2013 NV200 Compact Cargo van gives us the perfect opportunity to do so. Working with Gibson has been a dream come true for many of us here at Nissan, and we look forward to the next steps collaborating with them.”

The first four-cylinder diesel engine that BMW will be selling in America will be available in the 2014 BMW 328d. The new model was on hand at this week’s New York Auto Show, although some details remain vague, including pricing and official fuel economy estimates.

According to the New York Times, the new 328d delivers 45 mpg on the highway and is likely to hit the mid-30s in the city. That’s thanks to a 2.0-liter TwinPower turbocharged and direct injected engine producing 180 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Power is routed through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Naturally, BMW promises that the new engine will balance performance and fuel economy equally.

“It’s an authentic ultimate driving machine, but also very, very efficient,” said Ludwig Willisch, chief executive of BMW of North America. “It fits well into today’s market situation.”

This new model will also be available with every option and trim currently available with other 3-Series models (with the exception of a manual transmission). Although pricing isn’t official yet, it’s likely to come in under $40,000.

The 2014 BMW 328d is slated to arrived in showrooms later this year. BMW has also confirmed that all-new six-cylinder turbodiesel engines will soon make their way into the  5-Series and X5 models.

Infiniti is preparing to replace it’s venerable G sedan this summer with the all-new Q50. With a new name and a fresh styling that’s reminiscent of the brand’s Essence concept car, it will arrive with a base price of $36,450–$900 cheaper than the current G37 sedan.

Power is supplied by a familiar, but stellar, 3.7-liter V6 engine. Buyers can choose between base, Premium and Sport trim, and even opt for all-wheel drive. New to the lineup is a hybrid variant that pairs a 3.5-liter V6 paired with an electric motor. For those who like to shift your own gears, you’ll be disappointed by the fact that a seven-speed automatic is the only available transmission–at least until the revamped coupe makes its debut.

The 2014 Infiniti Q50 is brimming with technology including the world’s first Direct Adaptive Steering technology and Active Lane Control. A driver-centric cockpit is just as luxurious as it is convenient thanks to the new Infiniti InTouch communications system. This system allows drivers to interact with navigation, entertainment and smartphone apps on the go completely hands-free.

“From world’s first technologies to unmatched levels of connectivity and personalization, the 2014 Q50 sports sedan is a bold example of Infiniti’s future brand direction,” said Infiniti Americas Vice President Ben Poore.

Infiniti’s Q50 microsite is now live, giving interested consumers the chance to build their very own sports sedan. For those considering the latest addition to the Infiniti lineup, now’s the time to act–customers who reserve and ultimately purchase a vehicle for delivery during an introductory promotion period will receive a complimentary iPad mini. See below for a complete pricing breakdown.

Suggested M.S.R.P.s for the 2014 Infiniti Q50 sports sedan (3.7 V6) include:
(Model Engine/Transmission/Drive MSRP)

• Q50 Sedan 3.7-liter V6 / 7AT/ RWD $36,450 USD
• Q50 AWD 3.7-liter V6 / 7AT/ AWD $38,250 USD
• Q50 Premium 3.7-liter V6 / 7AT / RWD $39,300 USD
• Q50 Premium AWD 3.7-liter V6 / 7AT /AWD $41,100 USD
• Q50 Sport 3.7-liter V6 / 7AT /RWD $42,950 USD
• Q50 Sport AWD 3.7-liter V6 / 7AT /AWD $44,750 USD
• Q50 Hybrid Premium 3.5-liter HEV / 7AT / RWD $43,700 USD
• Q50 Hybrid Premium AWD 3.5-liter HEV / 7AT / AWD $45,500 USD
• Q50 Hybrid Sport 3.5-liter HEV / 7AT / RWD $46,100 USD
• Q50 Hybrid Sport AWD 3.5-liter HEV / 7AT / AWD $47,900 USD