BMW 1 Series M Coupe CSL version

BMW is officially considering producing a BMW 1 Series M Coupe CSL. If sales of the standard 1 M go well, a CSL version could be made, providing a lighter-weight package more oriented towards track use.

Like most CSL BMWs, the 1 M CSL would be equipped with various track-ready components such as lowered sports suspension, lightweight wheels and selected panels, as well as a mildly stripped out interior with just two sports bucket seats in the front.

Alfa Romeo Giulietta

As Alfa Romeo prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary in June, the Italian firm’s latest model revives one of the most evocative names from its glorious past: the Giulietta.

Few car companies can match Alfa Romeo for sporting pedigree and it remains by some distance the most glamorous of the mainstream marques.

But pedigree and glamour count for little unless you are shifting metal – and these days loss-making Alfa needs to start selling more cars in order to remain viable.

Alfa Romeo 4C - Desire

Rear-wheel drive: yes. Mid-mounted engine: yes. This is indeed the layout of the Alfa Romeo 4C, a fetching concept coupe set to go into production toward the end of 2012. Apparently, it weighs just 1,784 pounds and has a 1.8-liter four-potter in the trunk. Horsepower is a claimed 200, thanks to a turbocharger. The car has been developed by Dallara, the same people who brought the world the pared-down X-Bow. There are plans to sell the 4C in the States, thanks to the whole Fiat/Alfa/Chrysler thing. When it goes on sale in Europe, the 4C is expected to cost the equivalent of $62,000 or thereabouts.

NART Ferrari 512 BB/LM on the auction block for $2 million Read more: NART Ferrari 512 BB/LM on the auction block for $2 million

When Ferrari debuted the Berlinetta Boxer to replace the iconic Daytona in 1971, it was a revolutionary step forward. It was the first mid-engine Ferrari road car, and following hot on the heels of the Lamborghini Miura, one of the first mid-engined sports cars on the market. Unfortunately it was never homologated for the North American market, but every rule has its exceptions. And this is one of them.

Ferrari to Unveil One-Off Superamerica 45

Ferrari says it will debut a special one-off model called the Superamerica 45 tomorrow at the Villa d’Este Concorso d’Eleganza in Italy.

The car maker says its Special Projects unit built the bespoke car for longtime customer and collector Peter Kalikow. The car harks back to the Ferrari’s early days in the 1950s when it regularly built cars to order for certain customers. Such special-edition machines are still part of the company’s business, though not all clients receive publicity when taking delivery.

Audi R8 GT Spyder Spy Shot

As with the R8 GT hardtop that recently went on sale, Audi engineers are thought to have shed about 220 pounds from the R8 Spyder’s curb weight. This was done likely through the use of lightweight carbon fiber and aluminum, thinner glass and sheet metal and a fixed rear wing in place of the previous automated one.

The hardcore convertible will also contain the same 5.2-liter 560-horsepower V10 as the hardtop, which the automaker claims is good for 0-60 mph acceleration of around 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 193 mph.

New Audi A6 Avant

The idea of a premium badged car here is of a sedan, that’s what people want. But in the home continent of BMW, Mercedes and Audi, these German brands shift a big amount of wagons, whether in the 3-Series/A4 segment or the 5-Series/A6 class. No range is complete without a wagon, so Audi has launched the Avant version of its new A6.

2012 Audi A7

2012 Audi A7 3.0 TFSI quattro Auto Tiptronic

BASE PRICE: $59,250.

AS TESTED: $68,630.

TYPE: Front-engine, all-wheel-drive, four-passenger, mid-size sedan.

ENGINE: 3-liter, double overhead cam, supercharged V-6 with FSI direct injection.

MILEAGE: 18 mpg (city), 28 mpg (highway).

TOP SPEED: 130 mph.

LENGTH: 195.6 inches.

WHEELBASE: 114.7 inches.

CURB WEIGHT: 4,210 pounds.

BUILT AT: Germany.

OPTIONS: Prestige package (includes four-zone air conditioning, navigation system, S-line exterior, high-definition radio, Bose surround sound, front ventilated seats, adaptive headlights, light-emitting diode ambient lighting) $6,330; 10-parallel-spoke wheels with summer performance tires $1,200; blind spot alert $500; Dakota Gray Metallic paint $475.