Scoop: Spindle Grille 2014 Lexus CT 200h F-Sport Caught Without Camo

If last month's brochure scans of the mildly updated 2014 CT 200h weren't convincing enough for you, then perhaps these scoop photos of a camouflage-free prototype of Lexus' compact hybrid will do the job.

The model that was captured on camera by our scoop photographers is the more dynamic looking and handling F-Sport edition, which in its refreshed form, features the Lexus brand's now signature pinched grille flowing above the redesigned bumper with a large plastic honeycomb insert and satin silver trim.

The only other noticeable styling changes on this car are the new alloy wheels and the reworked rear bumper with a different diffuser. Similar cosmetic updates should be applied to the regular CT 200h hatchback.

Whether Lexus has also altered the compact model's interior and hybrid powertrain remains unknown at this time.

Look for the 2014MY to make its debut in one of the international motor shows in the following months.

Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoopS

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Range Topping Acura RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD Coming to LA Auto Show

The most powerful Acura sedan ever, the new RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD, will make its formal premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 20, 2013, some six months after the market launch of the base version of the lineup that sports a 310HP 3.5-liter V6 driving the front wheels.

The flagship version of Acura's new RLX series combines a 3.5-liter SOHC direct-injected i-VTEC V6 engine with a 7-speed dual clutch  transmission and three electric motors to produce a combined 377HP, with the Japanese automaker stating that the all-wheel drive model returns an estimated 30mpg combined fuel economy.

Acura is expected to announce full specifications, along with a sales date (likely before the end of the year) and pricing, which will be more than the $48,050 it commands for the base RLX.

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New Porsche Macan Photos Leaked or Photoshop Enhanced?

Not that we don’t know what the new Porsche Macan will look like 95 percent or minus the headlamps and taillights, which are the only pieces of the exterior puzzle missing from the prototypes, but scans purportedly sourced from an upcoming issue of Auto Motor und Sport in which the SUV is compared to its Audi Q5 cousin, are said to show the final product.

But, we're also no strangers to photoshops (minor touch ups or not) being passed on as leaked images (Car&Driver's "We Leak the 2015 Mustang" is the most recent example that comes to mind…), so we're not ready to pop the debut champagne on the Macan just yet.

Until we find more information regarding these scans, feel free to give them a good look in the gallery after the break after we remind you that the Macan's debut is scheduled to take place at next month's LA Auto Show.

Story References: AMS via ClubMulholland and Worldcarfans

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2014 Porsche Panamera Facelift Now Available in 562 HP Turbo S Guise

The facelifted 2014 Turbo S is now the fastest Porsche Panamera you can buy, gaining 20 hp over its predecessor for a total of 562 hp / 570 PS. That puts it 49 hp over the regular Turbo, and ensures that there are plenty of silly performance numbers to boggle the minds of your friends with, while they stretch out in the back of the new extended-wheelbase Executive model that’s also become available for this engine variant.

However, despite the power boost, the benchmark sprint is still dispatched in 3.8 seconds - the old car had a 0.2 seconds lower claimed time with the use of launch control, but in the case of this new one it is no longer mentioned. Top speed is ever so slightly higher, going up to 309 km/h or 192 mph, making it 2 km/h faster than the old model.

The 4.8-liter V8 gets new turbos and is a claimed to be 11 percent more efficient than before, averaging an estimated 10.2 l/100km on the European combined cycle. Part of the reason why it’s been made more efficient (probably) are the 50 Nm / 37 lb-ft of extra torque that add up the total figure up to 750 Nm / 553 lb-ft.

Aside from these performance enhancements, there’s the Executive long-wheelbase model. It adds some interior features, and a bit of extra rear legroom and better soundproofing/glazing on the side windows for added acoustic refinement.

German pricing for the Turbo S starts at €180,024, and the Executive model at €197,041. For Stateside buyers, the base model will be available from $180,300, while the lwb variant will reach $200,500 not including delivery charges.

By Andrei Nedelea

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Kia Names and Confirms New K900 RWD Flagship for LA Auto Show

Recent reports on Kia's commitment to launch its K9 flagship saloon, also known as the Quoris in some overseas markets, in North America, have been followed up with an official announcement in which the Koreans said that the car will be named K900 on this side of the Atlantic adding that it will debut at next month's 2013 LA Auto Show.

In detail, Kia's short release reads: "Kia Motors America will take value to new levels of sophistication next month with the unveiling of a rear wheel drive flagship sedan at the Los Angeles auto show.  The all-new K900 is scheduled to go on sale next year and be available with either a V6 or V8 engine."

Kia attached an image of the K900's profile, and from what we can tell, the only visible differences over the Korean model (K9) seem to be the alloy wheel designs, the colored turning signals, and the reworked front fender air vent design. Of course, there may be other (minor) changes as well, but we'll have to wait for more photos to be sure.

Pricing has not yet been announced, but expect it cost a whole lot more than Kia's biggest sedan in its current U.S. lineup, the V6-powered Cadenza, that starts from $35,100 (think over $50,000).

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KDM KIA K9