Latest Carroll Shelby offering makes its debut.

The 2012 Chicago Auto Show was the venue chosen for the release of the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 convertible, an update of this iconic special edition Mustang model. This sports car marks the 20th anniversary of Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT) and does so in neck-snapping fashion. The latest iteration of the GT500 features a 5.8-liter supercharged V-8 engine, rated at a jaw-dropping 650 horsepower. Equipped with an optional performance package, this drop-top edition will go from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds.

20th Anniversary Edition

To mark the SVT’s anniversary, Ford has included a commemorative lighted sill plate in the 2013 Shelby GT500. Looking back at the original, the 1993 SVT Mustang Cobra offered a 235-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 engine, demonstrating just how far this model has been taken over the past two decades.

“The Shelby GT500 convertible is every bit the performer that the coupe is,” said Kerry Baldori, SVT Global Performance Vehicles chief engineer. “All of the significant changes we made in the program were instrumental in delivering a convertible that could really shine on the track but can still be driven on a daily basis.”

2013 Ford Shelby GT500

Lap Time Improvement

The new model has also trimmed 3.5 seconds off of its lap time at the Sebring International Raceway compared to the 2011 and 2012 models. Credit that boost this car gets from its supercharged V-8 along with the SVT-designed Bilstein electronic adjustable dampers available on the Performance Package and the all-new chassis tuning.

Suspension tuning can be adjusted by pushing a button located on the dashboard. Choose normal mode and drivers will enjoy a more comfortable ride over uneven road surfaces. Select the sport mode and Ford says you’ll be able to acheive top levels of performance, with this car delivering improved response time on the track and less body roll while cornering with reduced pitch under braking. With its upgraded dampers, SVT engineers were able to tune the convertible more aggressively for the track, while still being able to maintain desirable on-road manners.

Power and Precision

Besides its 650 horsepower rating, the Shelby GT500′s aluminum block engine produces 600 foot-pounds of torque. This engine also features new cross-drilled block and heads, updated camshaft profiles, a new carbon fiber driveshaft along with upgraded clutch, transmission and axle. The 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 goes on sale this spring and will be built at the AutoAlliance International Plant in Flat Rock, Mich.

See Also — Stolen Beauty: Ford Mustang

Photos: Ford Motor Company

Coupe makes debut at 2012 Chicago Auto Show.

Today marks the first of two media days at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show, but Hyundai has already released photos and information about its all-new coupe. The 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe advances the brand’s “fluidic sculpture” design, by bringing to the market a vehicle that is sporty, well-appointed and affordable.

Hyundai Competition

The 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe is being compared with the Honda Civic Coupe and, interestingly, to its corporate cousin the Kia Koup. The latest Elantra model goes on sale this spring and represents the latest model in Hyundai’s 7/11 product initiative. That initiative has Hyundai bringing to the market seven new vehicles in just 11 months.

Lift the hood and the same engine found in the Hyundai sedan powers the coupe. This 1.8-liter 16-valve four cylinder engine is rated at 148 horsepower @6,500 rpm and produces 131 foot-pounds of torque at 4,700 rpm. It is paired with a 6-speed manual or optional 6-speed automatic transmission. The Elantra Coupe takes regular grade gasoline and is expected to deliver up to 40 mpg highway.

Hyundai says that the Elantra Coupe has a longer wheelbase than the Civic Coupe. It is also longer and wider overall, giving it about 20 percent more interior room than the Honda. That extra room puts the Elantra Coupe in midsize territory according to EPA’s skewed classification system, but everyone else will know that the this car is a compact model. Still, the extra room will certainly be appreciated by all.

Keep those drinks cool with the coupe's chilled glove box.

Available Equipment

The five passenger Elantra Coupe comes with or has available a number of goodies that will appeal to buyers. These include a 7-inch touch-screen navigation with rearview camera and iPod/USB inputs, a Bluetooth hands-free phone system with voice recognition and a choice of two audio systems. The standard system is a 172-watt AM/FM/Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system with 6-speakers and iPod/USB/auxiliary input jacks. Optionally, a 360-watt system with external amplifier can be had when choosing the SE technology package.

Just as the Hyundai Elantra sedan has been lauded for its top crash testing rating, the Elantra coupe should do well too. Every Elantra comes equipped with 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, vehicle stability control and traction control. This model also features front and rear crumple zones, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Six airbags — dual front, dual seat-mounted front side and dual side curtain airbags — are standard.

Pricing and product details will be announced later today. A GT version will also take a bow.

Photos: Hyundai Motor America

Nissan 370Z is one of the stars of the Chicago Auto Show.

One day before the 2012 Chicago Auto Show entertains the press, Nissan Motors has taken the veil off of the 2013 Nissan 370Z, the latest iteration of its iconic two-seat sportscar. That this car made its debut ahead of time shouldn’t really be much of a surprise as car manufacturers continue to gain an edge in the crowded and highly competitive news cycle.

The new “Z” is scheduled to go on sale next June at Nissan dealerships nationwide. As before, the 2013 model will be available in Coupe, Roadster and NISMO Z configurations.

2013 Updates

Changes are many although not particularly revolutionary. That makes sense given that this model is beloved by enthusiasts, thus evolutionary changes were appropriate.

As the photos attest, the Z gets an updated front fascia flanked by vertical LED daytime running lights. From the rear, the black center cover is gone, having been replaced by a red reflector. Models equipped with the sport package now have revised 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels while 18-inch wheels are standard with the Coupe.

Sport package equipped models also get Euro-tuned shock absorbers and red-finished brake calipers. All models now feature a dark-finish fuel gauge trim and two new exterior colors, magma red and midnight blue, are now available.

“Since the original 1970 Z® was first introduced our goal has always been to keep the design moving forward. The changes for 2013, though subtle, go a long way in enhancing its dynamic appearance inside and out,” said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc.

Inside, NISMO editions get a new Bose Premium Audio Package with two additional speakers and two subwoofers. Premium gun metallic dark-finish 19-inch wheels and high-rigidity brake hoses and performance brake fluid as found in the off-the-chart GT-R are also included.

Powerplant Choices

The Z’s engine is a 332-horsepower 3.7-liter V-6 that comes paired with a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed automatic transmission in Coupe, Coupe Touring and Roadster editions. The Roadster Touring is paired with the manual transmission only. A specially tuned version of this engine producing 350 horsepower and paired with a 6-speed manual transmission with SynchroRev Match for heel-tow-like downshifting is a NISMO offering.

More details about this model including pricing will be released by Nissan just ahead of its June 2012 release.

Photos: Nissan North America, Inc.

See Also — 2012 Nissan Titan Overview & Specs

Nissan was the last manufacturer to bring a full-size pickup truck to the market, introducing its Titan truck for the 2004 model year. Although Toyota already had a model on the market, the Nissan was the first big Japanese pickup truck that had the “bones” to take on American trucks which still dominate the industry. Toyota soon followed with a revived Tundra and now truck shoppers have trucks from five manufacturers to consider.

The 2012 Nissan Titan is available in King and Crew Cab configurations. There is no standard cab model available. Just one engine choice is available, a 5.6-liter V-8 engine that is paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Limited body styles and only one engine choice restricts the appeal of the Titan which is outclassed by newer models from its competitors offering a broader product range. Priced from $28,160, the Nissan Titan delivers an American-made pickup truck that seats five people.

In Style

The Nissan Titan’s face is similar to the Armada, offering a bold grille flanked by large headlights. Various trim packages allow you to upgrade the grille to include chrome trim. Fog lamps are optional.

The Titan comes as a two-door King Cab with rear seating for three. Shoppers looking for maximum interior room will most likely prefer the four-door Crew Cab. All models feature oversized side mirrors, large arched wheel wells and beltline trim. King cabs offer a 6-foot-6-inch bed; crew cabs come with a 5-foot-7-inch or a 7-foot-3-inch cargo bed.

Engine & Transmission

The Titan’s engine should be familiar to Nissan faithful as it is also used in the Nissan Armada SUV and in select Infiniti models. This 5.6-liter 32-valve V-8 engine is paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission that offers a tow/haul mode. When properly equipped, this truck can pull up to 9,500 pounds. The Titan takes regular grade gasoline — 4×2 models are rated at 13 mpg city, 18 mpg highway; 4×4 models are rated at 12 mpg city, 17 mpg highway.

Cabin Amenities

The 2012 Nissan Titan is available in 4×2 and 4×4 configurations. Four trim levels — S, SV, PRO-4X and SL — are available. This truck’s cabin is bright and spacious, although the Crew Cab offers much more leg room for rear seating passengers.

This model’s instrument panel features a three analog display for speedometer, tachometer and a fuel gauge. Its center stack is topped by an in-dash storage tray and includes audio and climate controls. Separating the front seats is a console where the transmission shifter is located. This section includes two cupholders and a storage compartment.

Nissan Titan Crew Cab

Cloth seats are standard across the model line except in the SL which feature leather-appointed seats. The front seats feature a 40/20/40-split bench seat with S and SV editions; captain’s chairs with 8-way adjustable power for the driver and 4-way adjustment for the front passenger are offered in the PRO-X and SL edition. Heated seats are also available. The rear seat features a 60/40-split flip-up/fold-down rear bench seat.

Standard equipment includes climate control; an AM/FM/CD audio system; power windows and power door locks; a tilt steering column; and intermittent wipers. As you go up in trim levels the Titan brings in zoned automatic climate control; an advanced audio system; cruise control; a moonroof and a navigation system. Multiple appearance, utility and equipment packages are also available.

Safety Features

All Nissan Titans come equipped with vehicle stability control, traction control, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist. This model comes with front and seat-mounted front side airbags. Roof-mounted side curtain airbags are included. The Titan also features a collapsible steering column, front and rear crumple zones, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

See Also — 2012 Ford F-150 Overview & Specs

Photo: Nissan North America, Inc.

What would keep you from buying a hybrid model? Besides price, one of the most significant concerns for potential buyers are each model’s battery packs. Those systems are what helps hybrids such as the Toyota Prius and Ford Fusion Hybrid to attain high fuel mileage, but when these systems fail, customers can be left paying for a new pack that approaches the four-figure mark.

Hyundai Assurance

Well, Hyundai has decided to give shoppers of its Sonata Hybrid a strong measure of assurance, by offering a Hybrid Battery Replacement Guarantee that applies to all 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrids including those that have already been sold. Hyundai announced the guarantee at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit last month and has since released details of its new plan. That plan will replace the battery and cover the recycling costs of the old battery pack at no charge for the original owner. Leased and commercial vehicles are not covered nor is the guarantee transferrable. Still, it offers to customers something its competitors do not have.

2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

“Even with all the hybrid vehicle options on the market today, there is still limited demand for these vehicles because of barriers to customer adoption such as uncertainty about the technology and performance,” said Michael O’Brien, vice president, Corporate and Product Planning. “By offering the Lifetime Battery Replacement Guarantee, Hyundai is addressing customer concerns and demonstrating our confidence in the durability of our product.”

Blue Drive Technology

Hyundai’s hybrid system features its proprietary Hybrid Blue Drive technology, which features a lithium polymer battery pack, the first automaker in the world to include this system in a production vehicle. Cars like the Ford Fusion Hybrid and Toyota Camry Hybrid are outfitted with older nickel-metal hydride systems, while lithium-ion is the choice for other manufacturers. Hyundai claims that its system is more technologically advanced and reliable.

The Hyundai Lifetime Hybrid Battery Replacement Guarantee effectively extends the benefits of its Hyundai Assurance program to cover the Sonata Hybrid in ways no other manufacturer can claim. Likely, this program will give its hybrid an edge and perhaps get people to reconsider buying a hybrid.

Fuel Efficiency

Introduced in 2011, the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is powered by a 206 horsepower 2.4-liter gasoline engine that is paired with 6-speed automatic transmission. This five passenger model is EPA-rated at 35 mpg city, 40 mpg highway and is priced from $25,850.

See Also — 2012 Hyundai Accent Advances Fluidic Design

Photos: Hyundai Motor America

From November through April, auto enthusiasts in the U.S. are treated to some of the most spectacular auto shows to be found. Four shows enjoy much international attention including the Chicago Auto Show that is held every February. That show begins this week, beginning with two media days followed by a charity preview. This year’s show runs from Feb. 10-19 and promises to present a number of firsts including the global introductions of several anticipated new or updated models.

Media Preview

The Chicago Auto Show is sponsored by the Chicago Auto Trade Association and is held at the McCormick Place complex. The Chicago show got started in 1901 and this year marks its 104th edition. Nearly 1,000 different vehicles will be on display with four indoor test tracks available. These can be found in the Chrysler, Ram, Jeep and Toyota displays. There are also five outdoor test-drive opportunities for show visitors. You can find these by visiting the Chevrolet, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan and Subaru displays.

Show Stoppers

Look for several new models to show up in Chicago this week. If you watched this year’s Super Bowl you may have noticed at least one commercial for a new car including the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI. Auto Trends has learned that the Kia Track’ster concept, the 2012 MX-5 Miata Special Edition, the 2012 Fiat 500 Stinger by MOPAR and 2012 Ram 1500 Laramie Limited will also be on display.

Word has it that a refreshed 2012 Nissan 370Z will launch, Toyota will unveil the 2013 Land Cruiser and Ford will debut its 2013 Shelby GT500 Convertible. New models from Chevrolet and Hyundai will also be unveiled.

Social Media Thrust

The show organizers understand the power of social media and have dedicated a slice of the media preview to enable bloggers to access key executives. On the Thursday, the second media day, the Chrysler Group will host a breakfast for social media attendees and show off its new vehicles. Chrysler executives will be on hand for interviews. Following the Chrysler event, other manufacturers will host media events designed to appeal to influencers and Facebook fans, with traditional media on hand too.

Said Michael Ettison, co-chairman of the Chicago Auto Show about social media attendees, “While we have sought them out, the interesting part of our social media group is that it is comprised of people the manufacturers themselves find valuable.” Ettison went on to note that although these influencers are invited by the automakers, they aren’t restricted to where they can go and what they can do. Programs will be posted and held throughout the day for influencer consumption.

Cost and Specials

Weekends are particularly busy at the Chicago Auto Show, therefore if you can stop by during the week you may find the lines to test-drive displays shorter. Attending during the week is cheaper too, with show organizers offering discounts through Chicagoland BP stations, at local State Farm offices and though CATA member car dealerships while supplies last. Additional opportunities to save can be had via specially-marked cans of Pepsi and for those who bring food can donations on select days.

See Also

Looking Ahead: 2012 Washington Auto Show

Looking Ahead: 2012 NAIAS Highlights

The auto industry’s leading trade association representing car manufacturers has launched an awareness campaign in cooperation with the Washington Auto Show. That campaign aims to demonstrate to Americans the importance automobile manufacturing still has on the U.S. economy. Through its all-new JobsFromAutos.com website, proponents explain that 8 million U.S. households depend on the auto industry for work, jobs that help fuel local and national economies.

“When you think of the auto industry, the first thought may be of an assembly line worker in the Midwest. And certainly, we do count on many, many assembly workers to be successful. But there’s more to the story. The auto industry is a massive employer stretching literally across America, providing 8 million households with great jobs,” said Mitch Bainwol, president and CEO, Auto Alliance. “Through this new website, www.JobsFromAutos.com, we will go behind the scenes to show how autos are made nationwide. Our message is simple: manufacturing matters in this country.”

Drilling Down

The new website features three tabs to help illustrate the industry’s story — map, profile and autos & economy.

Click on “map” and a map of the United States appears with all 50 states outlined. Hover over any state and you’ll get the total number of industry jobs, the percent of the state’s workforce involved in automotive manufacturing as well as the percent of all industry jobs nationally. For example, Pennsylvania counts 258,000 people employed by the auto industry, representing 3.5 percent of the Keystone State’s workforce. Pennsylvania has a 3.2 percent of the industry pie. Click on any state and regional information appears including local companies. On a side note, the company information could prove valuable for job seekers.

A visit to “profiles” gives readers a personal look at the people who work in the industry. At the moment, nine comprehensive profiles are featured and include Joshua Oakley, a Door Production Team Leader for Toyota in Blue Springs, Miss. and Maureen Midgley Executive Director, Global Paint & Polymer Center for General Motors in Orion Township, Michigan. Each person explains the job that they do at their respective plant and how it impacts the company. For example, Oakley said “We have five members on our team and when one person does a door, you don’t want to send it to the next wrong. Our next person’s our customer, so when we send it down the line, it needs to be one hundred percent right.”

The third tab, autos & economy, offers charts on the industry’s impact on other businesses, the materials used, paychecks, R&D investments and the country’s impact on the world. From this information we learn that automotive manufacturers support 3.1 million jobs, another 3.3 million are from auto suppliers and 1.5 million Americans are employed by dealers and supporting industries.

American Jobs

The alliance says that 1 in every 17 U.S. jobs depends on autos, contributing paychecks totaling more than $500 billion a year.That amount is more than the nation spends on Medicare and is just behind the $553 billion yearly defense budget.

“The auto industry’s economic footprint is vast,” said Bainwol. “In order to have a healthy U.S. economy, America needs a robust auto manufacturing sector. Autos drive America forward by providing a powerful manufacturing presence in communities across the country, generating paychecks for millions of families and substantial tax revenues.”

Alliance Members

Original equipment manufacturers large and small belong to the Auto Alliance. Its current members number 12 and consist of the BMW Group, Chrysler Group LLC, Ford Motor Company, General Motors Corporation, Jaguar Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz USA, Mitsubishi Motors, Porsche, Toyota, Volkswagen Group of America and Volvo Cars North America.

See Also — Ford, UAW Reach Labor Accord

A new bill has been introduced to the U.S. House of Representatives, legislation that proposes to reduce the patent period car companies have on their collision repair parts from 14 years to 2.5 years. That bill was introduced on Thursday by Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) and Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) to the House Judiciary Committee. A similar bill is currently being prepared in cooperation with the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee.

PARTS Act

What the “Promoting Automotive Repair, Trade, and Sales (PARTS) Act” would do is amend title 35 of current U.S. design patent law, by reducing from 14 years to 2.5 years the timeframe whereby automotive manufacturers may enforce their design patents on collision repair parts against alternative suppliers. According to the Quality Parts Coalition, an organization that represents the interest of the automotive collision parts industry, that enforcement timeframe would begin the moment that the car model containing the design patented is offered for sale. Once the 2.5-year period has expired, then substitute parts can be offered for sale. The QPC states that this would save consumers money on replacement parts and insurance costs, and would mirror similar repair clause laws on the books in Australia and in several European nations.

“The Quality Parts Coalition praises U.S. Representatives Issa and Lofgren for their leadership in protecting the rights of American drivers,” said Eileen Sottile, executive director of the QPC. “We urge Congress to pass this bill so that consumers can continue to have access to affordable, quality alternative replacement parts.”

AIA Support

The bill has also received the support of the American Insurance Association a property-casualty insurance trade organization that represents nearly 300 insurers. Noted Melissa Shelk, AIA vice president for federal affairs, “Consumers deserve access to high-quality alternative replacement parts. Increased competition means decreased prices and greater choice for consumers.” The AIA notes that quality replacement parts for such collision parts including bumpers, fenders and hoods can cost consumers approximately 26 to 50 percent less. Insurance savings can be realized when consumers choose these alternative parts, but only if such parts are available. Shelk says that consumers pay an extra $1.5 billion annually because of the current patent restrictions on replacement collision parts.

Proponents of the bill note that car manufacturers currently control 72 percent of the repair parts market and have been steadily increasing the use of design patents. Competition is reduced and consumers end up paying more for parts. Because of these elevated costs, insurers will sometimes consider vehicles “total wrecks” instead of paying for repairs. The result is that consumers are forced to replace a repairable vehicle with a different car, an expense the QPC argues can be avoided if the PARTS Act becomes law.

Facebook Page

To garner interest in the PARTS Act, its supporters have a launched a Facebook page. That page invites visitors to sign a petition to let Congress know that consumers want this bill passed.

See Also — Right to Repair Push is Gaining Steam

Minor updates or substantially revamped?

Daimler’s smallest model is the Smart Fortwo, a two-seat A-segment or minicar model that is powered by a 1.0-liter three cylinder engine. Smart has been around since 1998 and just four years ago the first Smart models went on sale in the United States.

Tough Sell

Smart has not been a good seller for Daimler and there are a number of reasons why this is so despite its $12,490 starting price.

First of all, not many people are satisfied with its dimensions, as this diminutive model is the smallest car on the market. Think “two-seater” and you may be happy with a roadster, but not with much else.

Second of all, the Fortwo’s fuel economy advantage has been largely erased by several larger and more powerful models offered by its competitors. Indeed the 34 mpg city, 38 mpg highway rating of the 2012 U.S. model is about what you would get with a subcompact (B-segment) Hyundai Accent, a vehicle that is rated at 30 mpg city, 40 mpg highway. Even a number of compact (C-segment) models offer highway fuel economy of 40 mpg, and those models run on regular gasoline. Smart recommends that you use premium grade gasoline when fueling your Fortwo to enjoy optimum performance.

Third of all, if you need to bring something along with you, you’ll be hard pressed for storage. The Fortwo is best used as a city car, one that helps you navigate your way around town and park in the tightest spaces.

Refreshed Model

Despite these detractions and low sales — Daimler reported just 496 Smart Fortwo sale last month — a refreshed model is on its way.

You need to look real close for the Fortwo changes.

Daimler calls the 2012 Smart Fortwo (we’ll likely see it as a 2013 model here) a “substantially revamped” model. Changes are mostly to its exterior that now includes larger radiator grille with an integrated logo, a new front apron design, horizontally arranged LED daytime running lamps, more athletic side skirts and updated rear aprons. Three new alloy wheels are also being made available featuring 9-spoke, 3-spoke and twin 3-spoke designs.

Inside, a new crystal grey interior package that features a leather/fabric combination for the seats, imitation leather and fabric for the door trims and black imitation leather for the the instrument panel is also offered.

Global Demand

Daimler says that 1.3 million Smart Fortwos have been sold since this car was introduced in 1998. Last year, global sales rose by 4.6 percent as 101,996 units were sold. While not well received in America, the Fortwo has found a home elsewhere, the smallest of all cars on the market with a design that hasn’t changed much since it was introduced 14 years ago.

Just 333 will be produced; 50 are destined for the U.S.

Do you have $210,000 to spare? If so, then you may be in the running to buy Audi’s hand-built and very limited edition 2012 R8 GT Spyder. Audi announced pricing today as well as its production plans for its V-10 powered drop top beauty. Just 333 copies will be built and only 50 will be destined for the U.S. Audi says that each vehicle will come equipped with its own vehicle number displayed right on the gear shift.

Road Stomping Power

Its aluminum direct-injection V-10 engine will produce 560 horsepower and enable the R8 GT Spyder to travel from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and then reach a top speed of 197 mph. Nearly 188 pounds have been lopped off of its weight as Audi makes use of ultra-light magnesium in its engine frame and carbon fiber-reinforced polymer on rear side panels and in the soft-top compartment. Its fixed rear spoiler also is made from carbon fiber composite.

Standard features on this limited edition model include quattro all-wheel-drive; power adjusted heated side mirrors; driver and front passenger front, seat-mounted side, and knee airbags; front and rear disc brakes; LED headlamps and daytime running lights; 10-way power heated sport seats with 4-way power lumbar support; an Audi navigation system; a 6-disc CD changer with Sirius Satellite Radio, 7 speakers and a 5-channel amplifier with a total output of 140 watts.

R8 GT Spyder Specifics

Just so you know that you won’t be getting just any Spyder, Audi has equipped this edition with several specific standard features including 19-inch wheels that are set within summer tires; a 6-speed sequential gearbox with shift-by-wire technology and sports mode; and a windshield frame in Alcantara. Optionally you can substitute the Alcantara for fine nappa leather.

Other specifics to this model include a sport suspension system; carbon fibber matte exterior mirrors; LED tail lights; aluminum door sill inserts; Alcantara and leather sport seats; and more. Optional equipment includes titanium finish 19-inch 5-arm-double-spoke-design aluminum alloy wheels with summer performance tires; a Bang & Olufsen sound system outfitted with 12 speakers and producing 495-watt sound; and additional wheel, navigation and brake options.

Customer Delivery Set

Customers will begin to take delivery of their orders this month. There is no word yet on the “who’s who” list of 2012 Audi R8 GT Spyder buyers who have already plunked down deposits to secure this limited-edition roadster.

Photos: Audi of America