The 2008 Lexus IS F is a hot rod with a chassis compared to the Porsche 911 Carrera. The 5.0 liter V8 IS F engine is based on the 4.6 liter version that powers the LS 460 and GS 460.

For even more power, K&N has designed a new air intake system (69-8703TS) in powder coated silver for the 2008 Lexus IS F with 5.0 liter V8 engine. K&N dynamometer tests show a 28.15 horsepower gain at 5900 RPM with use of the K&N air intake system. K&N tests multiple vehicles for each air intake kit it makes to ensure a consistent horsepower and torque gain.

The 69-8703TS is designed to reduce restriction and provide the benefits of a washable and reusable lifetime replacement K&N air filter (RT-4590). This K&N cone shaped air filter has a titanium top for added strength and light weight.

K&N air intake systems are designed to be installed in 90 minutes or less and are backed by the famous K&N Million Mile Limited Warranty.

A bit of a surprise at the 2009 Shanghai Auto Show is this Honda concept that could be chalked up as a successor to the Honda S2000, which ceases production after the 2009 model year. Although this does share similar aspects as the Honda S3000 we speculated about last year, not much is known about this; no details on powerplant, driveline, suspension or otherwise. Just a good looking body and enough to stoke some discussion and get the rumor mills churnin’.

ARK Design’s R8 Wheel is a lightweight one piece design, developed for style, performance and strength. The R8 features eight solid spokes plus a signature “Balance Ring” to provide rigidity for reduce wheel flex and strength from direct impact.

The spoke and rim design are specifically developed for large high-performance brake caliper and rotor clearance. The R8 is available in 18 or 19 inch diameter and various widths and offsets to fit numerous cars. ARK Design’s R8 Wheel has gone through rigorous quality testing and is JWL (Japan Light Alloy Wheel) and VIA (Vehicle Inspection Association) certified.

Speculation and rumors have been swirling around the future of the Lexus supercar, known as the LF-A. Prototypes of this were hailed as a Supra replacement, but as development progressed and revisions were unveiled, it was obvious this was going to be so much more. The LF-A was rumored to have a V10, cost over $250,000 and ready to tackle the most impressive Ferraris and Lambo’s – Until it wasn’t.

But now, Lexus it reporting that the Lexus LF-A will be competing in the 24 Hour of Nürburgring. The vehicle that will compete is indeed running a 4.8L V10, producing almost 500HP and will be mated to a sequential gearbox. All this combined with a release by Lexus stating the LF-A competing is “being developed with an eye toward commercial release.” will make this a race to watch.

Don’t miss the 24Hour Nürburgring, taking place just one month away; May 21-24th.

DBA proudly introduces the latest addition of performance brake rotors for the Jeep Wrangler JK, Mitsubishi Evolution X and Louts Elise/Exige.

DBA 4000 Series Rotors are a mid-series enhanced performance rotor. These rotors feature Thermal Stability Profiling (TSP) for improved heat handling and Thermo-Graphic paint markings for effective heat monitoring.

The DBA 5000 Series Brake Rotors are designed for the serious driver. These 2-piece ultra-high performance rotors feature aerospace grade materials for added thermal (heat) protection to you vehicle’s wheel bearings.

Whichever DBA Rotors you choose, you can be sure they will provide miles of performance and reliability as DBA was recently awarded the coveted ‘2009 Manufacturer of the Year Award’ from the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA). Congrats guys!

Mishimoto is proud to announce the new partnership with Chris Forsberg Racing. Mishimoto will be sponsoring the NOS Energy Drink 350Z for the 2009 Formula D season. Forsberg will be competing in all Formula D events this year, so make sure you check back for season updates.

K&N has released a new lifetime replacement air filter (33-2422) for the 2009 Honda Fit with a 1.5 liter engine. It is custom designed to fit in the factory air box with a simple drop in design. Just remove the disposable air filter and replace it with K&N.

The washable, reusable flat panel K&N air filter is designed to increase horsepower and acceleration while providing excellent filtration. The (33-2422) is 1 inch in height (25mm) with an outside length of 6.813 inches (173mm) and an outside width of 6.688 inches (170mm).

This air filter is made in the United States and it is backed by the famous K&N Million Mile Limited Warranty.

No, I’m still not in love with the 370Z. But a little NISMO never hurts.

Later this year, Nissan will be rolling out a new incarnation of the NISMO package for the Z which includes a larger rear wing, redesigned front bumper, 19″ RAYS wheels and a fair amount of NISMO badging and stitching though out the car. But don’t worry, it’s not all glam, power will also get a slight bump up to 350HP at 7,400RPM courtesy of a new exhaust and ECU reflash.

If crusin’ is a bit more of your tempo, or, you just want to work on your tan – Nissan has also unveiled it’s convertible version of the 370Z. Power and performance stay on par with the current 370Z.

The Scion camp has been buzzing with rumors of a new entry into the market since the departure of the xA and speculation has been surrounding the (overseas) Toyota iQ. Well, the cover’s been lifted and the first specimen is a fantastic concept by our friends over at Five Axis.

The iQ will have the smart fortwo directly in it’s targets with an interesting 3+1 seating configuration and power will be down by a 1.3L VVTi motor making 93HP and 89ft/lbs of torque. As with all Scions, you can expect individuality and customization to play key roles in it’s release, which means you’ll probably see these crawling all over SEMA this year.

Back in February we caught a rumor that Nissan would be entering FIA GT1 class this year with a limited amount of appearances. At that time there were a handful of unknowns but some good hunches.

Well it’s time to squash those rumors with some facts! The GT-R will debut in May at Silverstone, and run three additional races in 2009. The shortened 2009 season will be focus on working out any kinks, getting the driver comfortable and gearing up for an all out run at the 2010 crown.

As far as powerplant goes – The GT-R will indeed be ditching the Twin Turbo 3.8 in favor of a 5.6 V8, which puts down 600hp and 479ft/lbs of torque. Also note worth, the AWD system will be canned and this GT-R will be running RWD with aid from a Ricardo six-speed transmission and a 5.5-inch carbon triple plate clutch.