We heard the rumor floating around, but just to be on the safe side, we contacted Callaway, with company spokesperson Mike Vendetto telling us the following:

"Callaway is planning to begin production of the AeroWagon package for 2014 Corvette for January availability. The AeroWagon package is priced at $15,000 in natural carbon fiber, with a $1,500 charge for paint with matching OEM body color."

Approaching this conversion from the (...remorseful) side of a buyer, we asked Mr. Vendetto whether Corvette C7 owners would be able to revert the car to stock form if they wish, and the answer is yes:

"Our objective is to allow easy conversion back to stock," Mr. Vendetto told Carscoops. "There may be some hinge and latch hardware that has to be returned to stock as well, but these are all details that haven't been entirely finalized just yet. The stock hatch will be given back to the owner."

According to Callaway, the "car retains its original Corvette targa top" as "the AeroWagon bodywork is located in the original Corvette hatch area and utilizes the OEM latch mechanism."

As to when we'll see the first real life Corvette AeroWagon (all current pictures of the car are computer generated renderings), Mr. Vendetto said that the company estimates to have the first prototypes ready somewhere around mid-November.

The AeroWagon conversion, which turns the new Corvette into a shooting brake-like model adding more luggage space (but no rear seats) in the process, will also be available in conjunction with the upcoming Callaway performance package for the C7, set to be released at the same time next year.

Prices for said package start from $22,995, and it includes a supercharger system, high flow intake system, low resistance exhaust system, fuel system enhancements and powertrain management recalibration along with special badging, floor mats and door sill panels.

Take this one, for example, that pits the Nissan Leaf Nismo RC prototype racer against the Nissan 370Z Nismo road car. Auto Express magazine tested the two cars on an improvised track, using the same racing driver – Jann Mardenborough, winner of the 2011 Nissan GT Academy.

A quick look at the specs would lead most to believe that the Leaf Nismo RC doesn't stand a chance against the 370Z Nismo. The road car has 350 hp and 276 lb-ft (374 Nm) of torque from a 3.7-liter V6 engine, while weighing 1,610 kg (3,549 lbs). With 107hp and 280Nm (207 lb-ft) of torque, the electric prototype has less than a third the power output of the 370Z and 25 percent less torque. However, it only weighs 938 kg (2,068 lbs).

Scroll down to see how this puzzle gets put together.

By Dan Mihalascu

Kligerman uploaded a close-up photo of himself sweaty and with messy hair, with the description "Trainer got me struggling… #champion" on his Instagram page. Piquet Jr., who is a friend of Kligerman's, posted the comment "F…" on the page, with Kligerman jokingly replying "He's just jealous at his lack of masculinity". Piquet then said, "Yea, I'm the one with the masculinity problem hahahahah". Piquet's initial comment was deleted from the page.

One of the fans who saw Piquet's comment didn't like the joke and reported him to NASCAR, resulting in the driver being slapped with a $10,000 fine.

"Nelson Piquet Jr. recently communicated an offensive and derogatory term that cannot be tolerated in our sport. NASCAR's Code of Conduct explicitly spells out in the 2013 rule book our position regarding the use of disparaging terms. We expect our entire industry to abide by this Code," said NASCAR's senior vice president of racing operations, Steve O'Donnell, in the announcement explaining the decision.

Although Piquet Jr. initially defended himself by saying it was a joke among friends, he later apologized in a statement.

"I sincerely apologize to everyone for my poor choice of words last week. I did not mean to hurt or offend anyone. This has been a cultural learning experience that will make me a more sensitive person moving forward," read Piquet's politically-correct statement.

NASCAR argues that even if Piquet posted the comment in a joking manner, it was visible on social media and fans all over the world were able to see it. We'd like to hear your opinion on this too.

By Dan Mihalascu

Poll: What do you think about NASCAR's reaction?

Today, Hyundai Motor America announced the launch of a new payment deferral program aimed at helping these employees during the government shutdown. The plan, which is an addition to Hyundai's Assurance program, consists of the extension of "all auto loan and lease payments during the shutdown for current Hyundai owners who are furloughed".

The company said current owners of Hyundai vehicles will be provided relief from payments for as long as they are out of work, while furloughed employees who want to buy a car in October will be offered a 90-day payment deferral. The program applies to customers who have financed their purchases or leases through Hyundai Finance America.

"Like we did almost four years ago when we launched Hyundai Assurance, this is our way of saying 'We've got your back' during this uncertain time," said John Krafcik, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America.

Nissan also announced a similar program by offering a standard extension of payments up to 90 days for purchases or leases of new Nissan and Infiniti vehicles through Nissan Motor Acceptance Corp. (NMAC).

"NMAC is sympathetic to any of our customers who find themselves in difficult financial circumstances - many times outside of their control - and we want to provide assistance to help them through those times of uncertainty," said Mark Kaczynski, president, NMAC.

By Dan Mihalascu

The engineers' wish is to have Mazda make sportier rear-driven cars that are closer in philosophy to the MX-5 and RX series.

It's not an entirely unreasonable demand, especially since the Japanese automaker is already working with Alfa Romeo – the latter being the subject of an interminable number of rumors regarding its sedans going rwd. Perhaps they could work out an understanding in this area, as well, and make the shift along with the Italians.

Whichever way they go, it will be completely understandable. We of course, would like to see to see them go for it, as the Mazda range has been rather empty since the RX-8 was retired from production in July of 2011.

By Andrei Nedelea

Our secret-car hunter scooped up the first photos of a prototype model for the second generation GLK while testing on European soil. There's a lot going on the body with the camouflage, but it looks like the new GLK will be slightly bigger and have a less boxy appearance and softer lines than the current model.

Under the freshly styled body panels, Stuttgart's Audi Q5 and BMW X3 challenger rides on a modified version of the next C-Class sedan's new MRA (modular rear-wheel drive architecture) platform. Understandably, the new GLK and C-Class will share a similar engine lineup comprised of four- and six-cylinder diesel and gasoline units, and possibly a hybrid powerplant as well.

The use of lighter materials, improved aerodynamics and tweaked powertrains will do their part to make the next GLK more fuel efficient and greener.

Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoopS

The driver's identity, motives and the reason for which she did not stop the vehicle remain unknown. There was a young child inside the car as well, but according to reports, she emerged uninjured. The driver was shot as she exited the car – according to some sources, she hadn't opened fire and no gun has been found in the car. A police officer was hurt when the woman backed into a police car.

Preliminary information says there are no indications linking the incident to terrorism. Panic installed during the chase, with the U.S. Capitol immediately issuing this statement:

"SHELTER IN PLACE. Gunshots have been reported on Capitol Hill requiring staff in all Senate Office Buildings to immediately shelter in place. Close, lock and stay away from external doors and windows. Take annunciators, emergency supply kits and escape hoods; and move to your office's assigned shelter in place location or the innermost part of the office away from external doors or windows. If you are not near your office, go to the office nearest to you and shelter with that office and then check in with your OEC. No one will be permitted to enter or exit the building until directed by USCP. Staff is advised to monitor the situation. Further information will be provided as it becomes available."

You can watch an eyewitness video of the police chase below and another video with a second witness describing the scene.

By Dan Mihalascu

These speed bumps don't only spoil the experience of driving, but they are also a threat to the integrity of a sports car's underbody. The faster the car, the lower the ground clearance, and that is especially true in the case of sports cars designed for the race circuit.

You'll be hard pressed to find track cars more radical than a… Radical, so the UK manufacturer wanted to reassure its customers that its newest product, the RXC, has nothing to fear of speed bumps.

Radical's first enclosed car, the RXC, is a street-legal racer, as it is built using Le Mans engineering and aerodynamics. With 380hp produced by a 3.7-liter V6 Ford engine and only 900 kg (1,984lbs) of weight, the Radical RXC sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in only 2.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 280 km/h (175 mph).

On top of that, it handles speed bumps rather well, thanks to its inboard push rod suspension. You can check that out for yourself in the video posted below, though it doesn't show how the RXC handles the most atrocious of speed bumps – you know, the tall, narrow ones...

By Dan Mihalascu

And indeed, 'awkward' is the first word that comes to mind when you look at these similar Rolls-Royce pickup trucks listed for sale in Florida by PrestigiousEuroCars.

The first one is a 1972 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow coupe with a mullet body style (business up front, party at the back – or is it the other way around?) and a larger-than-life trunk that spans half the length of the car, while the other one is a 1973 Rolls-Royce Corinche coupe with an airy, pickup truck-style loading area.

Both cars are priced at $49,950 (approximately €36,700 at today's exchange rates) a pop, while we assume that the "3" and "4" cylinder engines noted in the listings are a typo, with the two models featuring RR's classic V8 mill.

However, Skoda has also been making sporty vRS models for over a decade now, and the two previous generations of Octavia vRS have found many owners who needed a cheaper Golf GTI that had more room for people and in the boot. Now, the Czech manufacturer is reported to be reviving an older nameplate – the Rapid Coupe, according to Autoblog.nl.

They quote inside sources and also back up their argument by talking about Skoda's desire to be itself perceived as more sporty, pointing at the Rapid Sport concept as clear indication of that. They also mention the fact that 2014 will mark the 30th anniversary of the classic model, so they could use that to justify it as well.

It would be an interesting offering, if it were to materialize, and would probably be one of the cheapest coupes out there.

By Andrei Nedelea

In the case of Massachusetts resident Edwin "Jay" Mieses Jr., 32, who was seriously injured during the events in New York City this past Sunday when Alexian Lien ran over him with his Range Rover, and who according to his wife, could be "paralyzed forever", the Boston Globe dug up details about his driving past.

The Registry of Motor Vehicles told the newspaper that while Mieses was a resident of the State, he never had a "valid Massachusetts driver's license for a passenger vehicle and has never applied for a motorcycle license".

According to the registry records, Mieses had applied for a learner's permit in 1999 and 2000, but he wasn't able to obtain a full license "because he failed to pay fines imposed after he was ticketed for speeding in Lawrence in 1999".

The Boston-based news daily also discovered the following information about Mieses:

"Since 1999, he has been ticketed by police 16 times, in Lawrence, Methuen, Roxbury, Andover, and New Hampshire, according to registry records. In June, the Registry notified the National Driver Register that Mieses was a habitual traffic offender whose right to drive in Massachusetts was revoked until 2017, records show."

We still don't know what will happen with Mieses, and whether he will face any charges or if he or his family will take Alexian Lien to court, but if any of those scenarios play out, then his driving past will likely surface again. Naturally, the only thing that really matters right now is Mieses' recovery.

Shout out to 'DemoDerbyThem' for the heads up!

Photos via FaceBook/Jay Meezee

Rivals promises more of the same, but wrapped up in a pretty next-gen package. Electronic Arts is probably extremely pleased with the fact that you can see individual droplets on the cars' bodies, but we hope they do something about the physics behind their game.

Their latest similar titles have moved ever further away from what the depicted cars handle like in real life, and I for one don't think these games need and more dumbing down.

Thankfully, the gadgets that fans of the series are familiar with are still featured, and as we can see from the most recently uploaded of trailers. It puts emphasis on them, as well as character progression, which as we all know is really big right now in the industry.

Check it out after the jump - the new Corvette Stingray makes an appearance too... in white.

By Andrei Nedelea

We say both, because unlike the outgoing Yeti, the 2014MY will offer buyers the choice of a regular model and an Outdoor edition that comes with a more rugged exterior appearance thanks to the SUV-style front and rear bumpers, and rocker panels, plus different wheels and exterior trims.

As part of the facelift, four engines in the 2014MY Yeti range now feature lower CO2 emissions, while Skoda has introduced a number of new standard and optional features, including a rear-view parking camera, bi-xenon lights with LED daytime running lights and KESSY keyless entry, start and exit system.

For full details on pricing, check out the list below the break.

"We probably have six months' worth of orders," Chevrolet General Marketing Manager Chris Perry told The Detroit Bureau.

Although deliveries have only recently begun, GM clearly has a winner up its sleeves, as some customers are willing to pay up to $20,000 extra to jump at the top of the waiting list. However, not all dealers can rejoice, as GM announced early this year that dealerships that failed to sell at least four Corvettes in 2012 will not get the seventh-generation model.

The base version of the 2014 Corvette Stingray Coupe starts from $51,995 (€38,220) including destination charges. The sports car is powered by the LT1 6.2-liter V8 that produces 455 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 465 lb-ft of torque (630 Nm) at 4,600 rpm.

Models equipped with the optional Z51 Performance Package (priced at $2,500) sprint from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 3.8 seconds, run the quarter-mile in 12 seconds and 119 mph (191 km/h), achieve 1.03g in cornering grip and stop from 60 mph in 107 feet (32.6 meters).

Fans of open-air Corvettes will have to wait until the end of the year for the series production of the Convertible model, which is priced from $56,995 (€41,900), including delivery and handling fees.

By Dan Mihalascu

The woman was filmed jumping on the tracks, but almost immediately crouched down, seconds before the metro train crossed over her at speed.

Watching the video makes you think she's a sure goner, but amazingly, she's seen standing up completely unharmed when the train passes by! She then approaches the stand and with the help of a man, she gets back to safety!

Unfortunately, suicidal attempts on India's train station network are all too common these days.

It's therefore with great anticipation that we look at the prospect of a lighter version of the all-new upcoming BMW M4, with even more power and three additional letters – it could be GTS, but this wasn't confirmed by Car Sales and its sources. What they did say is it will be closer in philosophy to the M3 GTS, rather than the E46 CSL, and that in manual guise, its weight would drop to under 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs).

This would be achieved by replacing some panels with ones made out of carbon fiber or aluminum. The M4 already has a carbon roof and boot lid, but it is stated that BMW wants to extend use of the material to the front wings and hood. Additionally, it would also receive aluminum doors instead of steel units, and a stripped out interior devoid of a back seat.

It is also speculated that the special model could make its debut in 2016 for BMW centenary celebration, to become one of many probable candles it's going to light up for itself that year…

By Andrei Nedelea

Whereas fuel-efficient 2.0-liter turbodiesel engines power the German cars, the Japanese car features a 2.5-liter petrol mill linked to an electric motor to save on fuel.

At least on paper, the Lexus IS 300h delivers the economy and emissions of a diesel engine, with its combined fuel economy of 65.7 mpg UK (4.3 l/100 km) being better than the Audi's 61.4 mpg UK (4.6 l/100 km), but behind the BMW's 68.9 mpg UK (4.1 l/100 km).

The Lexus is closer to the BMW in terms of performance too, with both cars sprinting from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 7.8 seconds, while the Audi needs 8.4 seconds.

But what's it like to drive compared to its rivals and how does its interior stack up against the competition? You'll have to watch the review in the video below to find out.

By Dan Mihalascu

After the new S-Class Convertible render we showed you earlier this week, X-Tomi Design is proposing a four-door coupe version of the upcoming S-Class Coupe, appropriately named the SLC, which would take the crown of the sportiest looking and most luxurious four-door coupe model in Benz's range from the CLS.

And yes, we too are expecting renders of an SLC Shooting Brake in the not so distant future…

The same designer also completed an artist's take on what the S-Class Coupe Concept would look like in a more production ready form. See both pictures right below the virtual break.

Designer & Photo Credits: X-Tomi Design

The report claims that the Audi Q1 will arrive sometime in 2016 and will cost less than the brand's smallest crossover at the moment, the Q3, at an estimated starting price of under €20,000 ($27,165) in Germany.

The B-segment crossover will have a length of 3,800mm (149.6 in) and will feature a more rugged styling, with SUV-like elements like a raised seating position and increased ground clearance.

However, despite its rugged looks, the Q1 reportedly won't feature all-wheel drive. At launch, it will be available with a 1.4 TFSI petrol engine and 1.4 TDI three-cylinder diesel, both developing 90 PS (89hp) and mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The top engine will be a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 231 PS (228hp), which will equip the SQ1 performance model.

By Dan Mihalascu

2012 Audi Crosslane Concept pictured in gallery

And by that, we mean adding décor or better yet, a human element to your displays, which is where specialists like Scale Figures step in to lessen your cash deposits.

The Moscow, Russia-based maker offers a number of limited edition scale figures including a special run of 60 pieces of Top Gear UK's television presenters, Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May in 1:18 scale, which will be available on October 31 in a set of three (the cars in the pictures are not included) for order at a price of $500 (€367). If you're in a hurry, you can place a pre-order on MDiecast here.

In previous months, the Russian company offered limited quantities (50 apiece) of 1:18 scale figures of The White Stig and The Black Stig.

But how did the team behind Project 7 manage to combine Jaguar's racing DNA and styling cues with the modern platform of the Jaguar F-Type? That's a question that Ian Callum, Jaguar's design boss, answers to in a new official video. He reveals that very few people worked on the project and that it was a work done with a lot of enthusiasm, resulting in a very special car.

Many modifications had to be done to the F-Type to turn it into Project 7, but the result is indeed a joy to look at. And with 542 hp from the 5.0-liter V8, it really has the performance to match its looks.

By Dan Mihalascu

To be fair, the motorist in the Ford Focus sedan might have just made it across the other side, as did the vehicle with the dashboard camera recording and sharing the scene with the rest of the world, if it had not been for the careless and dim-witted driver of the large and heavy dump truck.

The truck driver foolishly and completely selfishly  passed by the passenger models further sinking down the bridge and marooning the Focus.

See how it happened in the video below.

According to a report from Autonews, employees at Chrysler's Conner Avenue Assembly plant in Detroit were told yesterday about the output reduction. No workers will be laid off, however, with Chrysler reassigning them to other plants in the Detroit area. The number of employees who will be reassigned is not yet known.

Before the decision, Chrysler had been building nine Vipers per day on average, while from now on, it will make six per day. SRT brand boss Ralph Gilles originally said Viper production would be limited to 2,000 units a year, but is now aware that the aforementioned number proved overly optimistic.

"We're really looking at the reality of this type of car in this economy, as well as us controlling the market and making sure that we don't overbuild," Gilles said. Chrysler built 805 Vipers during the 2013 model year, and recently begun making 2014 models.

Gilles added that Chrysler received 2,000 dealer and customer orders for Vipers this year, including those for 2014 models. Since its commercial launch in February 2013, SRT only sold 426 Vipers in the U.S., with dealers having another 564 unsold cars in stock. U.S. aside, the sports car is sold in a few countries in the Middle East.

The 2014 SRT Viper is priced from $104,480 (€76,810) in the United States, including destination.

By Dan Mihalascu

Japanese carmakers have been applying the same philosophy to their city-orientated vehicles dubbed 'kei' cars for years now, even though the only obvious benefits with a tall car are the airiness and sense of space in the cabin. Mitsubishi in partnership with Nissan are taking the concept to the next level with what they describe as "super height wagons".

Mitsubishi's version of the co-developed models is the ek Space that was officially revealed today in two flavors, base and Custom, ahead of their world premiere at the Tokyo Motor Show at the end of November.

Very few details were released about the eK Space and eK Space Custom, which feature different front ends and equipment options, with Mitsubishi stating that both come with a sliding rear door, UV-reducing glass that shuts out 99% of UV light, and touch panel-operated air conditioning.

The crash was reportedly responsible for the fire, which the video shows did not spread to the rest of the car, remaining contained on the battered front end - good thing the fire crews are trained to handle this type of thing.

Now, it seems that the event has had serious negative repercussions for the Silicon Valley-based manufacturer whose stocks fell by 6.2 percent today – this may announce problems ahead for the EV maker, unless it can find out the exact cause of the fire.

If this had been any other (type of) car, the incident may have been overlooked, like the Jaguar F-Type blob of aluminum. However, I don't think Tesla will suffer as much as Fisker did, as the latter had a pretty but resoundingly mediocre product that people wanted to like but ultimately couldn't. The Model S, on the other hand, was voted as being the safest car ever tested by the NHTSA.

What's odd is that the burnt car's front end looks about as damaged as that of the crash test car, yet one went up in flames (on a distinctly rainy day) while the other one didn't.

Stay posted – this does not end here…

By Andrei Nedelea

Story References: Usatoday via Worldcarfans