Best Car Collection

New Buick Models

2011-06-30T19:15:00.000-07:00

Owned by General Motors, Buick is one of this country's oldest brands, with a rich tradition of innovation that dates back to the turn of the century. Aimed at traditional American luxury-car buyers, Buick cars tend to place a priority on a plush ride rather than sporty performance. Although historically known for catering to retirement-age customers with its full-size sedans, the automaker's lineup now includes SUVs and minivans designed to bring younger buyers into the showrooms of Buick dealers.
The company was founded in 1903 by David Dunbar Buick, a Scottish industrialist. He built his first car in 1904; called the Model B, it had a two-cylinder engine with an advanced-for-its-time overhead-valve cylinder head design. In 1907, Buick unveiled its first four-cylinder production car, dubbed the Model D. The following year, the Flint, Michigan-based Buick Motor Company was bought by William C. Durant as part of a new company called General Motors. By 1914, all Buicks were built with six-cylinder engines and purchased primarily by upper-class professionals, thus earning the nickname "doctor's cars."
The manufacturer proved itself a trailblazer in the early 1920s when it introduced four-wheel brakes. This technology had been seen before on custom-built cars, but Buick was the first to figure out how to successfully apply it to mass-produced vehicles. Eight-cylinder Buick cars emerged in the 1930s and became immensely popular; these advanced engines received steady improvements for several years. The '30s also saw Buick's introduction of the industry's first rear turn signal to use a flasher.
Models such as the Estate Wagon and the ever popular Roadmaster kept Buicks happily ensconced in driveways all across the nation in the 1940s. In 1948, Buick introduced Dynaflow, the first torque converter-type automatic transmission offered in U.S. passenger cars. The 1950s and 1960s witnessed Buick continuing to zoom ahead of the curve; it was among the first to offer vehicles with power brakes and steering, and 12-volt electrical systems. The marque was also behind the introduction of the first American V6 passenger car engine and introduced the Riviera personal luxury coupe in the early '60s.

On the whole, though, Buick had made its name as a manufacturer of stately land yachts such as the Electra 225. To meet the changing times, the automaker downsized its full- and midsize models during the 1970s and began offering compact and midsize sedans for the 1980s. Since then, Buick has varied its approach to its lineup. It's dabbled in performance cars (the Regal Grand National) and luxury coupes (the two-seat Reatta luxury coupe) but its core product continued to be luxury sedans aimed at an older audience.
Today, Buick specializes in sedans and crossover SUVs and is modifying its philosophy in hopes of attracting younger buyers. Luxury and class are still common themes but new models have European influences to enhance sport and desirability. As such, many modern Buicks provide a more entertaining drive and more contemporary styling than people might expect from this "old" nameplate.

Mercedes-Benz to Build Subcompact B-Class AMG, Destined for U.S. Market?

2011-06-16T10:52:00.000-07:00

Mercedes-Benz to Build Subcompact B-Class AMG, Destined for U.S. Market?
What’s next for Mercedes-Benz’s AMG performance division? According to executives, a hopped-up AMG variant of the next-generation B-class subcompact.

Current AMG boss Volker Mornhinweg (who’s destined for Mercedes-Benz’s van division in a month) recently told Automotive News that the tuning wing is, in fact, developing a high-performance variant of the next-gen B-class. The car will be AMG’s first stab at something smaller than a C-class, but Mornhinwheg says it’s a move to attract younger customers.

A B-class AMG would also be an ideal offering for Mercedes-Benz to counter the likes of the Mini Cooper S, Audi’s S3, and the Volkswagen GTI. Changes will include revised chassis tuning, cosmetic enhancements, and a high-performance engine -- likely a boosted four-cylinder -- that will be hand-built in AMG’s factory in Affalterbach, Germany.

Though the model is slated to launch in Europe at the end of 2011, it’s still uncertain if the B-class AMG -- let alone the entire B-class range -- is destined for the U.S. Mercedes-Benz has long entertained the idea of launching the B-class in America, but executives recently noted the business case rests upon fuel costs and Americans’ demand for small cars.

If the B-class is green lighted for the U.S., we think the AMG variant is almost certainly headed here. The U.S. remains one of AMG’s largest markets, and a low-cost, fuel-sipping sport compact may help the brand expand into thriving new segments.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

Upcoming Baby AMG May Get Supercharged V-6, Not Turbo Four

2011-06-10T11:11:00.000-07:00

Upcoming Baby AMG May Get Supercharged V-6, Not Turbo Four
British magazine Autocar reports that the upcoming B-Class-based AMG sedan will be powered by a 3.2-liter supercharged V-6, not a turbocharged four-cylinder as previously thought.

The mill is based on the upcoming 3.5-liter engine that'll first make its home in the new CLS350. Also like the CLS, the smaller AMG (codenamed the *** EVO) will get similar coupe-like styling, meaning four frameless doors and a steeply raked profile.

Force feeding the engine is said to be an electronically operated pressure wave supercharger. The technology is widely used in tractor and big diesel applications, and utilizes pressure waves from the exhaust to boost engine induction.

Rumors persist that a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission will handle what is believed to be around 400 horsepower. Though the car will be based on a front-drive platform, AMG will likely opt for an all-wheel drive setup to help put power down.

Though smaller and less powerful than its siblings, the "baby Benz" (the nickname was originally applied to the shown 190 E EVO II) will not be a cheap means to gain access into the premium performance segment. It'll still carry all the premium bits - and driving characteristics -- AMG customers are used to, but at a slightly lower price point in order to make way for newer, younger buyers.

Source: Autocar

Is Mercedes-Benz Planning a BMW Mega City Rival?

2011-06-06T11:33:00.000-07:00

Is Mercedes-Benz Planning a BMW Mega City Rival?
While BMW works on developing its eco-friendly Mega City urban vehicle, it seems Mercedes-Benz may be working on a competitor. Reports indicate the Stuttgart-based automaker may be working on a compact EV offering of its own to counter the electro-Bimmer.

According to Autocar, Mercedes is working on a "Project 50," a small, electric vehicle designed for commuters who drive primarily in large cities. The magazine reports the car will have similar dimensions to the original A-class subcompact. When it first debuted in 1997, the A measured a stubby 142 inches in length, but today's version has grown to 151 inches.

The car won't likely share the A-class platform, but could utilize a new platform that may eventually appear in a number of Smart models, including a revised ForFour. There's a good chance that the project could leverage the resources of Renault, as the two automakers are growing ever closer to signing a formal agreement to share technologies, including both electric drivetrains and small-car platforms.

Project 50 is likely still a ways away from reality. BMW's MegaCity isn't expected to launch until 2014 at the earliest, and we'd expect Mercedes' competitor to launch in a similar time frame.

Source: Autocar

Mercedes-Benz Considering Making S-class Hybrid-only?

2011-06-02T11:38:00.000-07:00

Mercedes-Benz Considering Making S-class Hybrid-only?

With mostly large V-8s and twin-turbo V-12s in its lineup, the Mercedes-Benz S-class isn’t particularly fuel-efficient. In light of upcoming fuel economy standards, Daimler executives reportedly are considering making the S-class a hybrid-only lineup.

According to Automotive News, inside dealer sources said Daimler executives are considering the switch to all gasoline-electric models for the next-generation S-class. If the switch is made, the dealer sources say that no S-class will be offered with only an internal combustion engine -- including the high-performance AMG versions. The fact that even the Autobahn-storming AMG models would become hybrids has drawn criticism from U.S. dealerships because they worry hybrids are not perceived as true performance cars in this market.

As of right now, only a few U.S. Mercedes dealerships have been briefed on the proposed plan. Those dealers will meet with Joachim Schmidt, head of sales and marketing at Mercedes-Benz Cars, this week at The Masters golf tournament in August, Georgia. Mercedes is a tournament sponsor.

Currently, the most fuel-efficient S-class is the recently introduced S400 Hybrid with a fuel economy rating of 19/26 mpg (city/highway). From there, the ratings continue to decline all the way down to 11/17 mpg for the top-of-the-line S65 AMG. According to Tommy Baker, chairman of the Mercedes-Benz dealership board in the U.S. and owner of a Mercedes dealership in Charleston, South Carolina, this doesn’t matter to S-class buyers. He says that for S-class buyers, the “goal is not gas mileage.”

“The most important thing in the American market -- regardless of hybrid, lithium, or electric cars -- is that we Americans are different than any market and we are going to want those gasoline engines,” Baker told Automotive News. To that end, Mercedes-Benz has already announced a new, more fuel-efficient 5.5-liter twin-turbo V-8 to replace the company’s 6.2-liter V-8 in its “63” AMG models.

Although Baker says the all-hybrid S-class lineup may not fly with U.S. consumers, an average combined rating of 16 mpg and emissions of a similar level won’t fly with the government’s upcoming fuel economy and emissions standards. Two Daimler sources told Automotive News that the move is being considered to help Mercedes reach the strict European CO2 emissions laws and the U.S. fuel economy standard by mid-decade. A final decision on the matter is expected within three months and, if approved, would be implemented on the next-generation S-class due out in Europe in 2013 and a year later in the U.S.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

Lorinser Gives Revamped Mercedes-Benz S-Class More Power, Style

2011-05-29T11:45:00.000-07:00

Lorinser Gives Revamped Mercedes-Benz S-Class More Power, Style
Lorinser, one of Germany's most prominent tuning houses, announced some new custom accessories for the refreshed 2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

Although Lorinser considers the parts to be "new," they're essentially the same as before. Bumpers fore and aft are swapped with a more aggressive replacements designed to increase cooling capacity and reducing drag. Matched with side skirts and unique front fenders, the look is pleasingly different than the styling packs offered from the likes of AMG.

Engineers have massaged the S600's twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V-12 with a remapped ECU, larger turbos, higher-flowing fuel injection system, and less restrictive exhaust. The entire package yields 110 extra horsepower, bringing the 12-cylinder's output to a total of 620 horsepower -- 16 more than the top-tier S65 AMG.

Of course, what's a full Lorinser conversion without some extra cosmetic tweaks? Big rollers (up to 22-inches) and a lowered suspension are par for the course in the LV 12 Biturbo. Passengers will also be treated to a revamped interior, replete with the highest grade leather, chrome trim, and carbon-fiber accents.

Pricing hasn't been announced, but if an S600 is already in your stable, you shouldn't be too worried about its tuned brethren being out of your price league.

Source: Lorinser

BMW, Mercedes-Benz Fight to Outsell Each Other in China

2011-05-28T11:53:00.000-07:00

BMW, Mercedes-Benz Fight to Outsell Each Other in China
BMW may have outsold Mercedes-Benz globally in 2009, but the two German automakers are both vying to be the biggest luxury brands in the Chinese market.

For the time being, BMW holds that title. Over the past six years, its marketshare in China has grown from 16 to 23 percent, but BMW isn’t resting on its laurels. At the Beijing auto show, CEO Norbert Reithofer announced the company has increased its 2010 sales forecast (which includes BMW, Mini, and Rolls-Royce vehicles) by 20 percent, bumping the total to 120,000 units. In contrast, BMW sold 90,500 vehicles in China in 2009.

New vehicles tailored to the Chinese market -- like the new long wheelbase 5 Series sedan -- will likely help BMW achieve that goal, but the automaker sees the potential to grow over the long term. Reithofer believes his company can build as many as 300,000 vehicles annually in China, thanks in part to an expanded joint venture with Brilliance Automotive Holdings. BMW is expanding its existing plant in Shengyang, which builds the 3- and 5 Series lines, but is also building a second facility, which may build the X1 crossover for the market.

Daimler was a little less forthcoming with specific goals for its Chinese market strategy, but said it simply plans on outselling BMW by 2011. The automaker believes a number of products, designed exclusively for Chinese customers, will help propel it to the top of the sales charts. In addition to launching a new line of heavy-duty trucks for commercial clients, Mercedes-Benz will ultimately launch an electric car co-developed with Chinese automaker BYD, and a long-wheelbase C-class sedan.

Of course, these plans for domination assume another German rival -- Audi -- isn’t able to turn about its fortunes in China. Although it had been the leading luxury brand in the market for the last 20 years, Audi has seen its marketshare slip over the last six years, falling from 66 to 46 percent. Should the firm’s new A8L or the forthcoming A7 fastback resonate with Chinese buyers, BMW and Mercedes-Benz both have their work cut out for them.

Source: Automotive News; 1,2 (Subscription required)

Mercedes-Benz to Style Helicopter Interiors, Yachts, and Furniture

2011-05-25T13:49:00.000-07:00

Mercedes-Benz to Style Helicopter Interiors, Yachts, and Furniture
You aren't likely to spot a helicopter parked next to an E-Class at your local Mercedes-Benz dealer anytime soon, but designers employed within the automaker's styling studios are lending a hand in creating a number of non-automotive products.

We first saw the AMG-branded Cigarette racing boat back in February, but it seems the sleek vessel was just the tip of the iceberg. Daimler revealed today a number of different assignments doled to its designers, ranging from helicopter cabins to luxury yachts and everything in between.

"We are in no way entering into new territory," says professor Gorden Wagener, head of design at Mercedes-Benz Style. "Our design team has already styled such products such as watches and interiors, as well as numerous products for Mercedes-Benz accessories. Our design division has all of the necessary expertise in more than ample measure, and has benefited from such skills for many years."

As is the case with BMW's Designworks studio, Mercedes-Benz Style can be hired by outside firms to provide design work for future products. Although we'd be a little surprised to see Daimler's stylists penning vehicles that would compete against its own wares, Wagener says the operations has its foundations in land, sea, and air transportation, so anything goes.

Although Daimler itself is no longer attached to the EADS consortium or its Eurocopter subsidiary, M-B's first project was to create the cabin for the new Eurocopter EC145 luxury helicopter. Reportedly inspired by the R-Class crossover, the helicopter has seating for eight, which can be quickly reconfigured or removed to make room for more luggage. Buyers can select from a number of different trim materials and wood patterns, while a three-color ambient lighting system is culled from the S-Class.

Wagener sets no bounds on M-B Style's activities, but does insist clients "must match our premium standards and represent innovation, as well as trend-setting, enduring style." Look for the design operation -- which is comprised of 400 employees from 20 different countries -- to have a hand in many more products in the years to come.

Source: Daimler

Vexing Hex: Iranian Designer Pens 6-Wheel Mercedes-Benz Off-Roader

2011-05-21T21:09:00.000-07:00

For now, the Unimog remains Mercedes-Benz’s most potent off-road machine -- but we rather like the ideas presented in the design concept crafted by Iranian engineer Siyamak Rouhi Dehkordi.

Dubbed the Mercedes-Benz Hexawheel, the conceptual off-roader utilizes -- of all things -- six wheels. The hallowed portal axles of the Unimog are abandoned in favor of independent suspension at each wheel, but the frame itself is truly interesting.

Like the unusual M561 Gamma Goat military vehicle, the Hexawheel sports a vertically articulated frame, which is hinged around the axis of the center pair of wheels. Dehkordi says the design allows for substantial vertical articulation -- the frame can theoretically travel 28 degrees up and 30 degrees down. A pair of hydraulic rams controls the articulation, provides dampening, and in some instances, work to help push the Hexawheel over large obstacles.

Unlike the Goat, which sported steering on its front and rear axles, the Hexawheel’s rear trailer pivots side-to-side, allowing the 16-foot long vehicle to have an 18-foot turning radius. Further enhancing its prowess off-road is its balanced drivetrain. Dehkordi’s design calls for a diesel-hydraulic drive system, with the engine, pump, and accumulators placed underneath the pickup bed. The fuel tank, located under the cab, helps distribute truck’s 4850-pound curb weight.
We think this is a neat design -- but our only reservation lies with torsion. Long-travel suspension does help traverse obstacles, but when it comes time to twist -- like the Gama Goat does when climbing this hill -- we’d be curious to see how the Hexawheel performs in the real world. Sadly, we think this will remain a digital flight of fancy for the foreseeable future.

Source: Car Body Design

Brabus Gives Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series More Power, More Black Paint

2011-05-18T21:16:00.000-07:00

In its search for more power, Brabus created the T65 RS using the Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series and endowed it with 788 horsepower and 811 pound-feet of torque.

Starting with an already exclusive SL65 AMG Black Series, Brabus modified the factory twin-turbo 6.0-liter V-12 with some additional components. Two new exhaust manifolds with two new turbochargers were fitted to the twelve-cylinder engine, as were four large intercoolers to really get the air flowing. Feeding out from the engine is a stainless-steel exhaust system with free-flow cats.

To help harness the extra power, the SL65 Black Series was given a new engine electronics package that helps the car meet Euro IV emissions standards. In actuality, maximum torque is rated to an astounding 1047 pound-feet at 2100 rpm, but Brabus chose to electronically limit the car to 811 pound-feet, likely for drivability concerns. Peak horsepower is reached at 5500 rpm.

Unfortunately, extra power doesn't always translate to lower 0-to-60-mph times. We tested the standard Black Series to reach the mark in 3.6 seconds and the T65 RS posts the same number. In other performance figures, the T65 RS hits 124 mph in just 9.8 seconds and is capable of traveling in excess of 206 mph, but is also electronically governed to 200 mph.

As you can tell from the photos, the T65 RS really rides the Black Series name with its matte-black paintjob and darkened wheels. A special carbon-fiber hood scoop, black leather and Alcantara seats, and stainless-steel door sill plates with illuminated Brabus logos add the special German tuner touch.

Pricing has not been revealed, but with a starting price tag of $300,000 for the basic SL65 AMG Black Series, you can bet the T65 RS will command a premium.

Source: Brabus

Volvo Going Racing with Rear-Drive Volvo S60

2011-05-14T21:20:00.000-07:00

Now that the production 2011 Volvo S60 has launched, Volvo is turning its attention to the race track. The Belgian arm of the Swedish automaker outlined the first details of its entry into 2010 the Belgian Touring Car Series, which begins April 11.

The BTCS is a six-race endurance series. Most races consist of two 90-minute heats, while a 12-hour race occurs at legendary Spa-Francorchamps. Competition includes BMW, Audi, Jaguar, and Volkswagen.

The racing S60 falls under Silhouette S1 specification, meaning all cars must use a tubular chassis, identical front and rear suspension, aerodynamics, and an engine no larger than 3500 cubic-centimeters.

The team's goal, including drivers Vincent Radermecker and Eric Van De Poele, is to get acquainted with the new car, per manager Thomas Neri. "Our main objective is to get up to speed and to compete well in the various heats. Next season we hope to put our own in-house developed engine in the car," he said in a press release.

Volvo S60 BTCS Silhouette S1 Specs:
Chassis: Tubular frame
Layout: Mid-engine, rear-drive
Drivetrain: 3500cc V-6, six-speed sequential transmission
Output: 410 hp, 304 lb-ft
Suspension, f;r: Independent, 3-way adjustable shocks; independent, 3-way onboard adjustable shocks
Brake, f;r: 15.0-in rotor, 6-piston caliper; 14-in rotor, 6-piston caliper
Wheels, f;r: 10 x 18-in; 12 x 18-in
Tires, f;r: Michelin 27/65/18; 30/65/18

In related news, Polestar Performance, the team behind Volvo's Swedish Touring Car Team, has announced a road car project based off the C30. Details are slim, but the racing team says the C30 will boast 395 horsepower, all-wheel-drive, and aerodynamic tricks used in racing.
"Polestar has probably spent more time than anyone else in the world to get speed out of the C30, and this time we can realize ideas without being halted by specific race regulations," said Jan Andersson, team technical director.

The project will debut at the Gothenburg auto show between April 22 and 25. Fans can follow project updates at Polestar's Web site.

-By Carlos Lago

Spyker Set to Sell its Cars in Select Saab Showrooms

2011-05-05T18:59:00.000-07:00

Spyker had promised to keep its chocolate discrete from Saab's peanut butter, but it appears Saab's new corporate parent may soon sell its high-end sports cars in Saab showrooms.

"We are signing up Spyker dealerships left, right, and center," Spyker CEO Victor Muller recently told Bloomberg.

Presently, Spyker has only 35 retail outlets across the globe, but that will soon change. Spyker plans on offering its wares -- including the new C8 Aileron -- through a number of select Saab dealerships. Spyker hopes to nearly double its sales network to 60 outlets by the end of this year, and bump that total to 90 by the end of 2011. Doing so may help Spyker move more than the 36 vehicles it sold in 2009.

Adding Spyker models to Saab showrooms will be a big change for most dealers, as pricing and clientele tied to Spyker cars are quite different from that of Saab vehicles. A 2010 Spyker C8 Aileron costs $219,190, while Saab's new 9-5 Aero -- the most expensive Saab model at this time -- starts at $49,990.

Still, every extra dealer helps -- and the extra showrooms are but one of the many Saab resources Spyker hopes to utilize to its benefit. The automaker has previously mentioned using Saab's engineering staff and resources (including the company's wind tunnel laboratory in Trollhattan, Sweden) for new vehicles, and may benefit from lower prices on generic parts that can be used Spyker and Saab models. Muller hopes these moves will help Spyker turn a profit -- something it hasn't done since going public in 2004.

"Spyker will be profitable in its own right, very much helped by its sister Saab," said Muller. "It's wonderful that the company that saved Saab is also benefiting from having done that in its own business."

Source: automobi

Rent A Racer: Audi Race Experience Program Puts You in Race-Spec R8

2011-05-03T12:21:00.000-07:00

Forget the fantasy baseball camp -- if you've got a good chunk of change at hand, we'd recommend signing up for Audi's Race Experience program, which will ultimately put you behind the wheel of a race-prepped R8 LMS on the famed Nürburgring.

The program, crafted in partnership with Team Joest, essentially allows participants to play race car driver for a day. After a series of driving lessons (including earning a current racing license), participants will field one of two Joest-owned R8 LMS cars in a VLN race on the 'Ring. Joest and Audi Sport will provide everything else needed to go racing, including tires, fuel, a pit crew, telemetry -- and, if so desired, a professional co-driver.

"For the first time, customers have the opportunity to participate in a race with a professional Audi 'factory' team without having to enter a long-term commitment, or making a high financial investment," said Klaus Demel, head of Audi's Driving Experience programs.

Demel's last point may be true -- this will be less expensive than sponsoring and running an entire race team on your own -- but we don't expect the Race Experience program to come cheap. Audi hasn't talked pricing, but seeing as there are more costs to amortize than the company's Sportscar Experience (which runs roughly $3500 for a two-day program), we know this experience will carry a lengthy bill.

If cost is no object to you, add this to your bucket list -- and quickly. Team Joest is only running these cars in six VLN races at the Nürburgring, so despite the high prices, expect openings to disappear quickly.

Source: Audi

Toyota Has No Plans to Return to Formula 1

2011-04-29T12:44:00.000-07:00

A difficult economy forced Toyota to withdraw from Formula 1, but don't expect the automaker to return to the series should the automotive industry improve. Corporate officials -- even those once tied to the F1 program -- admit the racing series doesn't reach its customer base.

"There is a big gap between Formula 1 and Toyota's actual [owners]," said Tadashi Yamashina, Toyota's Senior Managing Director. "President [Akio] Toyoda's stance on motorsports is geared more to the customer."

Although Yamashima himself broke down in tears when Toyoda held a press conference last year to announce the F1 withdrawal, the executive seems to have adopted a new perspective on the race series. In an interview with Automotive News, Yamashima says F1 has grown far too "elitist" for Toyota's tastes.

"For the fortunate few who can afford to [stroll an F1 paddock,], it's fine. I think the best kind of races are those in which people can get in close to the race."

Although F1 isn't on the company's radar, Toyota will remain involved in other motorsports series, including those that do allow spectators to have greater access to drivers and cars alike. Expect Toyota-badged vehicles to remain a part of NASCAR and NHRA, but Toyoda -- a gentleman racer himself -- has pledged to increase the company's activity in grassroots motorsports.

Toyota first joined the F1 grid in 2002, but after seven years of activity, failed to garner a single victory. Along with BMW, the manufacturer was one of two auto companies to walk away from the F1 circus at the end of the 2009 season. Honda withdrew after a dismal 2008 campaign but laid the groundwork for the championship-winning Brawn GP team last year.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription required)

Ohio Ruling Allows Speeding Tickets to be Issued Based on Visual Estimates

2011-04-26T13:50:00.000-07:00

It seems the most elaborate radar detector or laser jammer may do you absolutely no good if you're driving in Ohio. The state's Supreme Court recently ruled in favor of a decision that allows speeding convictions to be upheld based simply on a police officer's visual estimate of the driver's speed.

Nearly two years ago, motorist Mark Jenney was clocked going 82 mph in a 60 mph zone in Copely, Ohio. During the hearing, Officer Christopher Santimarino reportedly failed to produce proper certification documentation for the clocking device, making the evidence useless. However, Santimarino's 13-year tenure, paired with visual speed estimation training by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy allowed his approximate to be taken into consideration. Santimarino's training reportedly allows him to estimate vehicle speeds within four mph of the actual velocity, but he did estimate Jenney's speed at 70 mph -- a far cry from what the device stated.

After appealing the decision, an appeals court ruled against Jenney. Not the least bit dismayed, Jenney ultimately continued appealing the decision until it reached the Ohio Supreme Court. In a 5-1 vote, the court upheld the lower courts' decision that an officer's judgment is enough to surmount the state's burden of proof.

"A majority of the appellate districts that have considered the issue have held that an officer's testimony that, in his opinion, a defendant was traveling in excess of the speed limit is sufficient to sustain a conviction for speeding," said Justice Maureen O'Connor. "We hold that a police officer's unaided visual estimation of a vehicle's speed is sufficient evidence to support a conviction for speeding if the officer is trained. Independent verification of the vehicle's speed is not necessary to support a conviction for speeding."

Justice Terrence O'Donnell, the single opponent to the vote, wrote an opinion arguing the court had just created a ruling implying a police officer's testimony is always correct.

"Like any other witness, a police officer's credibility is to be determined by the jury or other fact-finder," O'Donnell wrote.

You be the judge -- is this a fair verdict for Jenney, or a bum rap for motorists in Ohio? Regardless of your opinion, we have one recommendation: keep a careful watch on your speedometer when traveling through the Buckeye state.

Source: The Columbus Dispatch, Thenewspaper, automobilemag

Hyundai Tiburon Replacement First Headed to U.K. in 2011

2011-04-25T13:55:00.000-07:00

The long-rumored successor to the Hyundai Tiburon will be stopping in the United Kingdom before coming to the States.

The compact Hyundai two-door, known as the Coupe in the U.K., is slated to go on sale in Britannia in early 2011 according to U.K. outlet Autocar. The British rag recently spotted the compact four-seater in the flesh on a trip to South Korea and noted the small Hyundai looks exceptionally similar to the oft-mentioned Veloster concept. The upcoming 2+2 Coupe will be equipped with Hyundai's direct-injected 1.6-liter inline-four developing around 140 horsepower.

If the Coupe makes it to the United States under the resurrected Tiburon nameplate, it will provide a more affordable (and front-wheel drive) alternative to the Genesis Coupe. Expected to arrive in Fall 2011 for the U.S., Hyundai hopes to achieve 40 mpg without a hybrid powertrain and take on the Honda CR-Z. A high-performance model may also be in the works.

The new Hyundai coupe will make its European debut at the Paris motor show this October.

Source: Autocar,automobilemag

Report: Saab in Talks with BMW on Underpinnings, Engines for Revived 92

2011-04-16T10:21:00.000-07:00

It’s no secret that Saab is hard at work on plans to reintroduce its 92, but it’ll need some help to before the car can be produced. The automaker is preparing to enter into talks with BMW to do just that.

Instead of developing a costly platform from scratch, Saab is in talks with BMW to source underpinnings for the car. Saab is reportedly eyeing Mini’s architecture to underpin the new 92. Saab CEO Victor Muller wants the brand’s new model to closely resemble the teardrop shape of the original car, which was dropped from the Saab lineup in 1956.

According to the report, Saab is also looking into sourcing engines and transmissions from Mini. Mini currently offers 1.6-liter naturally aspirated and turbocharged inline four-cylinder engines here in the States, and 1.4-liter gasoline and 1.6-liter diesel I-4 powerplants are available also. Transmission choices are limited to six-speed manual and automatic gearboxes.

With Saab trying to regain market share, this would be a great move for the marque, but the 92 would be a direct competitor of the Mini Cooper. Although producing components in larger quantities would be beneficial to lower costs, we’re not sure it’s a great idea for Mini to bolster its own competition.

Would it be a good move for Mini to help Saab, or would it cannibalize its own sales?

Source: Reuters and automobilemag

Build Your Own: Dealers Design Last Batch of Special-Edition 2010 Dodge Viper

2011-04-08T11:24:00.000-07:00

Dodge has had no trouble crafting its own special-edition models to celebrate the end of the 2010 Viper's production run, but it's now opening the fun to select dealerships as well.

Dealers who managed to sell high volumes of Dodge's two-seat sports car have been awarded the chance to design their own special-edition cars. For the most part, the custom Vipers are relegated to special paint schemes for the SRT10 roadster, the SRT10 coupe, and the SRT10 ACR coupe.

Thus far, Chrysler's revealed three examples of the dealer-custom program. The snake crafted by Woodhouse Dodge in Blair, Nebraska, is perhaps most unique -- the yellow Viper breaks from tradition and applies many of the unique touches found on the Viper ACR coupe to a drop-top roadster. Tromball Dodge created the "Reverse SRT10 ACR," which inverts the color combination used earlier this year on the Snakeskin Green Special Edition. Roanoke Dodge in Roanoke, Illinois, chose to apply dual Plum Crazy racing stripes on a black SRT10 coupe.

As is the case with the umpteen other special-edition Vipers we've seen this year, production of the Dealer Exclusive Program cars will be limited to 50 in total -- roughly ten percent of the entire 2010 Viper production run.

Source: Dodge

Panoz Unveils New Abruzzi ‘Spirit of Le Mans’ at Le Mans

2011-04-08T11:14:00.000-07:00

Many manufacturers make a big deal of their latest models with spectacular unveilings at major auto shows in front of thousands of press and industry big wigs. Not Panoz Motor Sports Group -- the small Georgia-based automaker is appropriately talking up its latest sports car -- the Abruzzi Spirit of Le Mans -- at the Circuit de la Sarthe.

“[The Abruzzi] is a culmination of equal parts time, effort, and dreams,” said Don Panoz. “The Panoz brand always has prided itself on hand-building and delivering an exotic automobile experience to our customers. Our new offering takes this to a completely new level.”

If the Spirit of Le Mans suffix didn’t clue you in, the Abruzzi is very much inspired by Panoz’s past Le Mans race cars, especially the roadsters and coupes it fielded in LMP and GTR1 classes, respectively. The slinky body is designed to incorporate the company’s new three-stage cooling system, which incorporates a rear-mounted radiator and air intakes integrated into the rear and side quarter windows.

The sophisticated cooling system will likely be necessary for the Abruzzi’s monstrous engine. For now, Panoz hasn’t detailed the engine specs, but says it will produce 600 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. That’s impressive, but coupled with the new composite material Panoz developed for the car, it’s likely to be blessed with an astonishingly low curb weight. The REAMS material is reportedly dent resistant, completely recyclable, and is both stronger and lighter than carbon fiber.

Corresponding to the car’s exotic nature, Panoz will only build 81 examples of the Abruzzi -- one for each 24 Hours of Le Mans race held from 1923 to 2013 (the year Abruzzi production will cease). The vehicle will be so intrinsically linked to the race that Panoz will incorporate the specific race date and initials of the winning driver in each chassis number.

Panoz will also deliver completed vehicles in a very Le Mans-centric way. Each car will be hand-built in Hoschton, Georgia, and then shipped to the Circuit de la Sarthe. There, the new owner will receive driving instruction on the Bugatti circuit of the track. New owners will be invited to attend the race as guests of the ACO -- a major sponsor of the Le Mans enduro -- but they’ll be invited to drive a parade lap around the track next year.

Pricing for the car has not yet been released, but unfortunately for those hoping to grab one in the U.S., it won’t be street legal in this country. Panoz says that the car will only be homologated for street-use in Europe.

Source: Panoz Motor Sports Group

Lamborghini Navarra Concept Study Penned by Lockheed Martin Designer

2011-04-02T10:07:00.000-07:00

Most young designers these days appear to have the hots for anything related to Lamborghini. After the Cnossus, Minotauro, Miura Nuovo, Conquisto, Furia and Toro LA690-4 - just to mention some of the Lamborghini design concepts we've shown you the past few months, here comes yet another proposal for a Raging Bull model, this time from American Adam Denning who happens to be a designer for Lockheed Martin USA.
The Navarra is design study for a flagship Lamborghini supercar to replace the current Murcielago model.

"I tried to imagine all the V12 flagships of the brand from the Miura to the Murcielago, and then create a car that would look like it not only belonged in this group, but that it was the result of these cars as well," Denning explains.

"I was very inspired by Michelangelo's La Pietà. The way Mary's garments flow down and fold over each other was the main inspiration for the Navarra's overlapping surfaces and organic shapes."

Denning, who has a masters in Automotive Design from the Scuola Politecnica di Design in Milan, Italy, says that the Navarra would make use of a carbon-fiber frame and carbon-fiber panels with power coming from a V12 engine.

Photos Courtesy: Adam Denning , Via: CBD :autocoop

Spyker to Begin Selling Sports Cars at Saab Showrooms

2011-03-29T10:59:00.000-07:00

In a move that won't surprise anyone in the automotive industry, Spyker Cars NV and Saab Automobile owner, Victor Muller, confirmed plans to sell Spyker's high-end sports cars through Saab retailers by the end of the year.

"We are signing up Spyker dealerships left, right and center," Muller said in an interview with the Bloomberg news agency at Saab's headquarters in Trollhaettan, Sweden.
The firm's CEO said that as Saab dealers open their doors, Spyker's dealer network will almost double in 2010 expanding from 35 to 60 outlets and to about 90 by the end of next year.

One of the first Spyker models to be sold through selected Saab outlets will be the C8 Aileron that can reach a top speed of 186mph or 300km/h, and carries a base price of $214,990 in the U.S.

Aside from the Swedish automaker's dealer network, Muller said that Spyker has also started to benefit from lower prices for "generic" parts such as windscreen wiper motors that Saab gets through its higher sales volumes, adding that Spyker also plans to "tap Saab's engineering resources".

"Spyker will be profitable in its own right, very much helped by its sister Saab," said Muller. "It's wonderful that the company that saved Saab is also benefiting from having done that in its own business."

Via: Bloomberg

Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera and Porsche 911 GT3 RS Wallpaper Gallery

2011-03-27T21:37:00.000-07:00

source by automobilemag

Lamborghini Super Trofeo Racing Series Returns for Season Two

2011-03-19T13:06:00.000-07:00

Europe is home to some of the finest racing series in the world and the Lamborghini Super Trofeo spec series is gearing up for its second season.

Never heard of the Super Trofeo? These racecars are lightened versions of the Gallardo LP 560-4 dressed in Blancpain livery and prepped for race duty. The Gallardo’s 5.2-liter V-10 puts out 570 horsepower while a retuned six-speed e.gear sends power to the all-wheel-drive system. High-friction steel brakes, “racing” ABS, a special aero package, and 18-inch competition wheels wrapped in Pirelli slicks complement the Super Trofeo’s 2900-pound weight. The chassis has been reworked and launch control has also been eliminated.

This year, the six-round season starts the weekend of April 24-25 at the Hockenheimring in Germany. The first round will support the DTM touring-car series; the remaining events will be paired with venues from FIA GT1 World, Le Mans Series, and Campionato Italiano di Gran Turismo. Each round contains 30 minutes of free practice, a 30-minute qualifying session, and three 40-minute races.

“The second Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo season is highly anticipated,” said Manfred Fitzgerald, Lamborghini’s director of brand and design. “We’re excited to see new teams join the Super Trofeo family for 2010, while competitors from last season will return to defend their honours. The on-track battles were extremely close in 2009, and we’re set for another thrilling season ahead.”

2010 Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo Calendar

April 24-25 -- Hockenheim -- DTM

May 22-23 -- Brno -- GT1 World

July 3-4 -- Paul Ricard -- GT1 World

July 29-31 -- Spa-Francorchamps -- GT1 World

August 21-22 -- Hungaroring -- Le Mans Series

September 24-26 -- Vallelunga -- Campionato Italiano di Gran Turismo (Italian GT Championship)

Source: Lamborghini

BMW Recalls, Halts Sales of 1 Series Models; Cites Fire Risk

2011-03-13T12:09:00.000-07:00

New information released on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's website shows that BMW is recalling all 1 Series models sold in the U.S. between 2008 and 2010 for a potential fire risk.

According to the manufacturer, cars built between December 1, 2007, and May 27, 2010, may not have sufficient clearance between the seatbelt tensioners and the sound insulation in the B-pillars. Should a crash occur, the tensioners could overheat. In rare instances, the excess temperature could possibly ignite the insulation material.

BMW has not yet released a fix for the issue, but has notified NHTSA of the recall and halted sales of all 1 Series models until it rectifies the design issue. BMW will notify owners of the recall shortly and provide updated information to NHTSA when it has a fix. For more information, contact your local BMW dealership.

Source: NHTSA automobilemag

Le Mans-Winning Bentley Speed 8 to Star at Bentley Drivers Club 60th Anniversary

2011-03-12T14:13:00.000-08:00

In 2003, Tom Kristensen, Dindo Capello, and Guy Smith drove the Bentley Speed 8 prototype to victory in the Le Mans 24 Hours. The same car will be featured at the 60th Anniversary of the Bentley Drivers Club at Silverstone.

The Bentley Drivers Club 60th Anniversary meeting promises to be a “moving-museum” of Bentley’s motor racing heritage. Bentleys of every era, ranging from a 1925 3 Litre to the 2003 Speed 8, will appear in the paddock and on the track.

Bentley will be bringing several of its more famous racing cars to the track, including at least two cars that helped the marque win the famous Le Mans race five times between 1924 and 1930. The first official Le Mans works Bentley- a 1925 3 Litre- will be featured as one of them and the 1926 3 Litre, “MK 5205”, is another of the featured Le Mans works Bentleys of old.

In stark contrast to the older racing Bentleys, are the Speed 8 and other Brooklands cars and Bentleys that have raced at BDC events in the past 60 years. The Bentley handicap race is set to show the full mix of Bentley’s racing heritage by pitting classic 3 Litres against more modern Turbo Rs.

The Bentley Drivers Club 60th Anniversary meeting takes place at Silverstone on August 8th and 9th.

Image of Benley at Le Mans in 1925 credited to the W.O. Bentley Memorial Foundation

source by carsanddriver

2011-03-10T10:18:00.000-08:00

Two tuners have worked their magic to turn out their own versions of the latest BMW M3 that are, respectively, faster and more carbon-fibery Ultimate Driving Machines.

On the speed side, wheel tuner Emotion Wheels has expanded its business to include full tuning packages. In the case of the E92 M3, Emotion has eked out 707 horsepower from the V-8 that usually produces 414, claiming "significant" improvement in straight-line performance. Emotion's full upgrade also includes 19-inch black matte wheels, exterior styling enhancements, and a carbon-fiber hood.

Speaking of carbon fiber, aftermarket supplier Arkym is now offering a hood, trunk, and spoiler made from the lightweight stuff

Arkym's kit will set you back $1999 for the single-side hood (add $500 to make it a double), and $1249 for the single-side trunk (add $450 for the double). No pricing information has been released for the Emotion power and appearance package.

source by automobi

Audi Sound Engineers Place 62 Speakers into a Q7

2011-03-09T11:54:00.000-08:00

After orchestrating the design and installation of some pretty far-out Bang & Olufsen sound systems into vehicles like the R8, A8, and Q7, you'd think Audi's sound engineers would be perfectly content. Not so. In fact, in pursuit of the perfect sound, some engineers within the company have created their dream sound system, which involves stuffing 62 speakers into a Q7.

The venture, dubbed the Audi Sound Project, is the pet project of infotainment development engineer Peter Gleim. His goal -- to focus on wave field synthesis -- sounds like a scientist's fantasy, but is actually quite impressive. The object is to recreate a sound wave with several sources (i.e. speakers) placed closely together. Each speaker is controlled separately, so the signal can be delayed and staggered, allowing the listener to hear an exact reproduction of the original sound. Better yet, the sound is produced in an identical fashion for each seating position.

"We can simulate any wave front," Gleim said in a release. "With stereo, we can generate a sound as if the two speakers were located far outside the car. We can also add any desired spatial impression computationally -- not as a sound effect, but as a mathematically precise simulation."

Gleim's team managed to cram all 62 speakers, baffles, and amplifiers into the Q7, but its interior looks anything but normal. The ASP system includes five tweeters, five subwoofers, and 52 midrange speakers, all connected to a large power amplifier. Speakers are integrated into the dashboard, pillars, door panels -- virtually anywhere engineers could find space. Three separate PCs are needed to control both the amplifier and the entire speaker array.

"Our goal was to show what is technically feasible; to explore the limits," said Denis Credé, head of Audi's sound development. "What we are learning will be integrated into the sound systems of tomorrow. It's like with racing: A lot of what is first tried out on the race tracks of this world later shows up in modified in production vehicles. The Audi Sound Concept project is like racing for sound systems."

We imagine both packaging and cost are two major hurdles in pushing the ASC into production. On that later note, adding the 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen system in an A8 or Q7 adds roughly $6300. We suspect that figure would grow exponentially for a 62-speaker system.
We're fans of excellent sound systems, but aren't always convinced they're worth the investment. What say you -- when shopping for a car, is the sound system an important component, or do you skip that option box?

Source: Audi

Stunning Stingray: Convertible Chevy Corvette Stingray Concept Spotted?

2011-03-06T17:08:00.000-08:00

Allow us, if you will, to play paparazzo for a moment and show you what may be an up-and-coming movie star. Photos of what appear to be a convertible version of the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray (or Centennial) concept recently appeared online, and we wouldn't be surprised if the car is destined for a career in Hollywood.

You may have seen the coupe version of the Stingray in person at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show, but there’s a better chance you saw it on the silver screen. GM’s Corvette Centennial concept was tapped by director Michael Bay for Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen, his 2009 sequel to Transformers.

So, then, what is this? We’ve no idea, other than the fact that someone (GM designers? Bay himself? Robotic alien creatures?) in the Southern California area managed to transform the striking coupe design into an angular roadster. Apart from the stubby wrap-around windshield and the waterfall decklid, we note a few other striking differences between this and the original Stingray concept design:

-a new hood, with two intake nostrils flanking a hood bulge that gives us flashbacks of the C3 ZL1 prototype

-new wheels, which adopt a new five-spoke pattern with deeply offset rims

-deeper front intakes, which appear to house fog/running lamps of some kind in their upper corners. These lamps seem to have replaced the slender, LED lamps that ran up the leading edge of the coupe’s front fenders

The Internet is abuzz with speculation of this car’s origins -- but seeing as Bay is already at work at a Transformers 3 and the car was spotted near a major film industry hotspot, we wouldn’t be surprised to see this ‘Vette gain a supporting role in the upcoming film.

Source: Corvette Blogger, BobsBlitz

Cannonball: Wall Street Bankers Partake in Road Rally as Performance Bonus

2011-03-03T10:09:00.000-08:00

If you're an investment banker, how do you unwind from the stresses of derivative swaps, ethics investigations, and a weakened economy? The answer, it seems, is to blitz your way through Vermont in an expensive supercar along with 13 of your buddies -- and inevitably, get busted by the fuzz.

Reports are still somewhat sketchy, but it appears several top-performing investment bankers from an offshore investment company were rewarded with a special road trip inspired by the Cannonball Run. A road trip from New York City to Montreal was arranged, allowing participants to view the recent Canadian Grand Prix. Over 14 high-performance vehicles, including several Lamborghinis and a Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren -- were rented from a New York company for the trip, which quickly became a high-speed road rally.

On the evening of June 11, the Vermont State Police received a call reporting a group of supercars was traveling at excessive speeds. The SLR was pulled over, but its driver somehow managed to avoid getting a citation.

Another banker wasn't so lucky. Spencer Lodge was clocked by an officer doing nearly 104 mph in a Lamborghini LP560 Spyder, and was arrested on the spot. A plea arrangement forced Lodge to pay $881 in fines and was released from police custody.

Police aren't finished, though -- authorities in Vermont say additional charges may be in the works for the other drivers. In an interview with WCAX, Lt. Bob Stebbins noted these may not be simple speeding tickets -- a number of participants may be charged criminally based upon the dangerous driving involved.

Sources: NBC Today, WCAX.com

First Drive: 2011 Honda CR-Z

2010-06-18T09:23:00.000-07:00

2011 Honda CR-Z – Click above for high-res image gallery

Let's get this out of the way right now: the 2011 Honda CR-Z is not a CRX redux. To compare the two – no matter how much Honda may want to – is to misunderstand the former and besmirch the latter.

No, the hybrid CR-Z is an entirely different beast. Despite its three-door shape and two-seat configuration, it has about as much in common with the O.G. hatch as a big-screen remake of your favorite childhood TV show. The basic components are there, but the whole concept has been throttled to within an inch of its life with high-tech gadgetry, odd casting decisions and a questionable demographic.

But to Honda's credit, its rhetorical comparisons to the CRX have died down considerably since the CR-Z debuted in concept form and then progressed into a production model. Honda may have recognized after a lukewarm introduction outside the U.S. that glomming onto nostalgia will only get you so far (see: Dodge Challenger and Chevrolet Camaro). And to make something special – a vehicle that transcends the emotional baggage of its predecessor – you've got to evolve the concept and avoid relying on rose-tinted sentimentality.

To an extent, that's exactly what Honda has created. It hasn't built another hot hatch – the lightweight, K20-powered three-door enthusiasts crave – and instead it has attempted to meld the technology of the moment into a greenified competitor to the Mini Cooper. Think of it as the rogue lovechild of the original and current Insight, with a few sporting genes spliced into its DNA. But can a hybrid hatch be an entertaining steer? We took to California's twisties and clipped a few cones to find out.
If you were completely smitten by the CR-Z concept from the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show, the retail model may leave you a bit cold. Viewed side-by-side, the basic elements are there – high hatch, wedge shape, massive snout – but as with so many designs rotating on pedestals, everything's been watered down in the production process.

The deeply recessed grille and its center mounted "H" have been dispatched for a more pedestrian-friendly nose, while the blistered fenders, glass roof and aggressive haunches have all been relegated to the designer's trash bin. We won't call it neutered, nor will we result to the roller-skate cliche, but the CR-Z's 16-inch wheels (the only hoops available) and higher ride height have laid to waste the concept's edgy aggressiveness. And the first time a state-mandated front license plate is fitted, crouching Bugs Bunny references won't be far behind.

On the positive side, the blacked-out A- and B-pillars combined with the highly contoured windshield and greenhouse provide a pleasant wrap-around effect, while the high, split-glass hatch and triangular taillamps lend the CR-Z a more purposeful stance. The visibility afforded by the thinner A-pillars – something that's largely absent on modern vehicles – is a breath of fresh air, but on the flip side, the tall hatch and massive C-pillars make lane-changes a double- then triple-check affair.

Viewed as a whole (and if you hadn't seen the concept), it's a smart, youthful design with dozens of subtle stylistic elements that catch your eye over time. The only thing that's obviously missing is a visible exhaust outlet – something akin to the integrated exhaust tips on the Euro-market Civic would've been a nice touch.

The interior does a better job of tipping you off to the CR-Z's sporting pretenses, beginning with a pair of sufficiently bolstered seats and a small diameter steering wheel. All the controls are canted towards the driver, including the optional sat-nav, standard climate controls and drive mode selectors. The dash doesn't extend as far forward as we would have expected given the steeply raked windshield, nor does it completely encompass the occupants (note the odd cliff-face on the passenger side of the dash).

Mercifully, Honda has decided to ditch the Civic's two-tiered instrument panel for a center-mounted pseudo-3D tach with a technicolor digital speedo mounted in the middle. Battery and charge status, shift indicator, fuel level and real-time consumption flank the sides and look both futuristic and slightly half-baked. If you must, think of it as a low-rent version of the Ferrari 458 Italia's driver command center, complete with a user-customizable Multi-Information Display for standard trip readings, along with an Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) flow indicator, "Eco Guide and Eco Scoring" and exterior temperature reading.

Fit and finish is on par with anything from Honda in the $20,000-25,000 segment, with soft-touch materials lining the major touch points and an interesting vacuum-formed metal coating the door handles (an industry first). The rear cargo area was obviously designed with kid seats in mind for the European and Japanese market, but in the U.S. we get a pair of recessed, carpeted plastic trays in their stead. The upright panel can be folded down to expand the standard 25.1 cubic feet of cargo space, although the only way to fold or snap it into place is to move the front seat forward and reach through the door opening. Thankfully, it's a single-handed affair.

With all the techno-tidbits available inside (along with standard USB audio and a 12V power source), oddly, our favorite interior feature came in the form of a configurable cargo cover. You can mount the vinyl overlay in three different ways to either completely obscure the cargo area or leave it open for luggage, golf bags or small bodies. But the third setup – humorously dubbed "Secret Mode" – creates a small parcel area at the very end of the hatch to hold smaller items (grocery bags, laptop and camera cases) so they won't shuffle around during spirited sprints. Speaking of which...

If you're not already aware, the CR-Z's roots are based on the new-for-2010 Insight hatch. You can groan now if you wish, but take solace in the fact that Honda has managed to shorten the wheelbase to 95.8 inches, widen the track to 59.6 inches in front and 59.1 inches in the rear, with a total length of 160.6 inches. MacPherson struts work in concert with 18-mm front and rear stabilizer bars, and the whole setup has been fitted to a suitably taut chassis. The bad news: We're stuck with a torsion-beam suspension in the rear. The worse news: the curb weight comes in between 2,637 and 2,707 pounds depending on the transmission and equipment levels. For reference, the four-passenger, five-door Insight tips the scales at 2,734 pounds, which isn't much difference at all.

As you'd expect, Honda's focus lies on the CR-Z's Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system and its 1.5-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder pulled from the Fit. In the five-door runabout, the four-pot is good for 117 horsepower and 106 pound-feet of torque, but combined with the IMA system's Ni-Mh battery and brushless DC motor, Honda rates the CR-Z with the six-speed manual at 122 hp at 6,000 RPM and 128 lb-ft of torque from a deceivingly shallow 1,000 to 1,750 RPM. Honda says the electric motor is good for 13 hp and 58 lb-ft of twist on its own, so we're not entirely sure how the maths work out on that. We've left it to our engineering-savvy Mr. Abuelsamid to parse out the details, so let's get to the driving.

Judged by the stats alone, we started up the CR-Z with more than mild trepidation. In the Fit, the 1.5-liter isn't exactly an inspired engine and sadly, that hasn't changed in this application. The engine note is more hotel-grade Oreck than the manic, high-revving Hondas of yore, and as you move up through the rev-range, the wasps under the hood get angrier but fail to deliver a sting.

With the traction control switched off, the IMA delivers just enough torque to spin the tires when you launch around 3,000 RPM. Acceleration through the first two gears is on the high-side of acceptable as the four-pot strains towards its 6,500 RPM redline, but by the time you reach third, most of the steam has escaped the engine bay. Our best guesstimate on a 0-60 mph time is somewhere in the 10-second range. Hardly stirring, but not unexpected.

However, off-the-line performance isn't the CR-Z's forte. If Honda's "Hybrid Cafe Racer" line is to be believed, this hatch's true calling is in the canyons. And here, a faint light shines through.

In Normal and Eco mode, the CR-Z trundles along as you'd expect; a lazy commuter focused on efficiency. However, press the Sport button and the steering and throttle tighten. Inputs are more direct as you crank the quick ratio steering (2.5 turns lock-to-lock) and the shifter effortlessly slips through the gears. The six-speed manual tranny is slightly notchier than other Honda 'boxes, but it inspires you to row up and down the ratios to find the meat of the powerband. Lay into the throttle in third or fourth and there's more noise than motivation, but when the first corner appears, the brakes haul down the CR-Z at a decent clip. On the road, brake fade remained absent, but during a few hot laps around a makeshift autocross course, pedal feel got progressively mushier as we pushed harder and braked later, particularly when attempting to stop in a cordoned-off cone box.

Steering is typical Honda: direct, if slightly overboosted. Initial turn-in and mild mid-corner corrections were encouraging, as is the additional weight of the rear-mounted battery pack, allowing the CR-Z to rotate quicker than other short-wheelbase three-doors we've sampled. That additional pounds and 60:40 weight split inspired confidence through high-speed sweepers, but the downside is a fair amount of body roll through trickier, twistier bits and a penchant for understeer without a good flick of the wheel or a fair amount of trail-braking.

We only had a brief stint in a CVT-equipped model, and the seamlessness of the start-stop system in the manual version was replaced with a more abrupt shudder when switching back on from a stop – exactly as we've experienced on the Insight. As with most CVTs, the "elastic band" sensation is there, albeit slightly more refined, holding the revs at around 6,000 rpm when matting the throttle and allowing you to shift through seven faux ratios when the mood strikes you. As you'd expect, the manual is easily the more sporting setup, but Honda estimates somewhere between 70 and 75 percent of all CR-Z's will be equipped with the quasi-automatic. Which brings up the obvious question: Who's the CR-Z for?

If we were a cynical bunch, we'd assume it's yet another vehicle designed to improve overall CAFE ratings. And with fuel economy ratings of 36/39 mpg city/highway with the CVT and 31/37 on the manual model, it's certainly going to help. But that's too easy. If you believe Honda, it's estimating that the average buyer will be a style and eco-conscious consumer between 25 and 35, smitten by the small size and blue Hybrid badge on the boot. That we can almost buy, particularly given that Honda will be pricing the base model under $20,000 and the fully-kitted EX with Navi will slide in under $24,000 when it goes on sale August 24. But is it an enthusiast's vehicle? Hardly. With more power, bigger brakes and a more sophisticated suspension (we're sure Hasport is working on a engine mount kit as you read this), this could've been the CRX for the 21st century. Instead, it's a capable fuel miser that can muster some sport when summoned. Unsurprising, but disappointing nonetheless.
cource by autoblogger

2011 Hyundai Sonata Officially Revealed: First High-Res Photos and Details

2010-06-17T22:12:00.000-07:00

Who would have imagined a few years back that there would be so much interest in a new generation of the Hyundai Sonata that it would be totally justified for us to stay up until the early morning hours to write a post on the car... But times change, GM went in and out of bankruptcy protection, the Fiat Group acquired Chrysler and surprise, surprise, Hyundai overtook the Ford Group in the first half of the year to become the world's fourth largest automaker.
So there you have it. But let's wind back back to the Sonata. After more leaks than a New Orleans levy, the Korean maker formally introduced the four-door sedan in its home market today.
"The Sonata will set a new standard for world class mid-size sedans with state-of-the-art technology, superior build quality and emotional design," said Euisun Chung, Hyundai's Vice Chairman at the launching ceremony for the car in Seoul. "The new Sonata will raise Hyundai's brand values."
It might not be an Alfa Romeo, but compared to its dull and unimaginative predecessors, we'd say that the sixth-generation Sonata makes a huge step (call that a leap) forward in terms of design. Some will even claim that it clearly adopts styling cues from the so-called four-door coupe segment such as the swooping roofline and the stubby rear end, and they're probably right.
The Sonata also boasts a fresh interior with a contemporary styling that's in line with the Korean firm's latest products such as the new Tucson / ix35 SUV that was revealed at this week's Frankfurt Motor Show.
Size-wise the Sonata is 4,820mm long, 1,835mm wide and 1,470mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,795mm making it a little longer and wider but slightly lower than the outgoing model.
The Sonata, which may be sold under a different name in some regions (e.g. i40 in Europe), will be offered at launch in its home market with a 2.0-liter Theta II MPi gasoline engine with 165HP and an LPG version that makes 144HP. Both engines are paired to a new six-speed automatic transmission.
Hyundai said that it plans to add 2.4 liter Theta II GDI gasoline engine to the range in January next year. This engine will be offered as standard on the U.S. market model.
All versions of the Sonata will be equipped with a standard Vehicle Dynamic Control with Hill-start Assist Control and Brake Assist System functions. Other highlights include an available three-piece panoramic sunroof and a new Parking Guide System (PGS) that allows the driver to avoid obstacles during parallel parking or when driving in reverse - or so the company claims.
Hyundai said that it began developing the new Sonata in 2005 under the codename YF with the project costing a total of 450 billion won (US$ 372 million) to go from concept to production.
The company plans to sell 60,000 units of the new Sonata in Korea this year. With the addition of production in its U.S. plant in Alabama plant in early 2010 and in China the following year, Hyundai expects that number to raise to 450,000 units annually worldwide from 2011.
In South Korea, the new Sonata's prices range from 21.3 million Won to 25.95 million Won (US$17,600 to US$21,450).

Review: 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Edition juggles fun and frugality

2010-06-17T22:02:00.000-07:00

2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Edition – Click above for high-res image gallery

Station attendant: "You sure you wanna put diesel in that?"

Me: "Yeah."

Attendant: "It doesn't look like a diesel."

Me: "That's kinda the point."

And so it goes. That wasn't the first time and it wouldn't be the last that we got quizzical looks when grabbing a plastic glove and topping up the 14.5-gallon tank on our Salsa Red 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Edition tester. After all, when you think diesel, a body-kitted sports sedan doesn't spring to mind. Particularly in the U.S., where (Cliche Alert!) old-school oilburners conjure the soot-covered nostalgia of smoke-belching Benzes, dirty shoes, smelly hands and searching for the appropriate pump at truck stops.

But in the 21st century – and throughout Europe for the last several decades – the modern diesel is a mainstay. Nearly half of all new cars sold across the pond swill ultra-low sulfur diesel, and after years of being hamstrung by California bureaucrats and the Feds, the high-mileage misers have finally returned to our shores.

But can a diesel really be sporty?

Volkswagen obviously thinks so, and after fielding "numerous inquiries" about offering a replica of its TDI Cup cars for the road, V-Dub has begun offering a kitted-out version of its diesel-powered Jetta to the fraction (of a fraction) of enthusiasts who want a more entertaining way to burn through a tank of ULSD.

So the Cup Edition certainly looks the part, but how's it get on? Let's find out.

After years of slogging through the SEMA Show, we've become justifiably jaded when it comes to various models' body mods – and that doesn't even cover the cars (*badum-ting*). So when the TDI Cup concept debuted way back in 2008, it barely registered on our radar. In the annals of the Las Vegas Convention Center, the side skirts, rear valance and redesigned front bumper with its comically massive air dam weren't extreme enough to stand out. But off the show floor and on the pavement, it's a different story for this oil-powered sports sedan costing $31,113 as tested (a far cry from its $24,990 base price).

Although the front fascia packs more mesh than a New Orleans Gentlemen's Club, take solace in the fact that this is the same body kit fitted to the TDI competition cars. It's got racing lineage, even if it's a decidedly less glamorous pedigree than some alt-powered rocket from Audi or Peugeot, at least it's more direct.

The remainder of the model's modifications are pulled from the VW performance parts bin and include the sway bars and stiffened suspension from the last Jetta GLI. The red-painted calipers are also carryovers, and they grip larger brakes (12.28-inches up front and 11.26-inches in the rear), framed by 18-inch, 10-spoke "Charleston" wheels. The hoops are right off the show car, but unfortunately the Yokohama 225/40R18 ADVAN sport tires have been swapped in favor of "all-season high-performance" Pirelli P Zero Nero's sized 225/40R18. They're mud and snow rated, for whatever that's worth.

Make your way passed the tri-colored graphics spanning the doors and you're greeted by another badge on the sill to remind you that the TDI Cup is more than a tarted-up aftermarket Jetta. Despite the "Interlagos" cloth inserts, the seats shouldn't be confused with the GTI's supremely bolstered thrones. Complete with lumbar support, they're adequate enough for diesel detail, but be prepared for impromptu forearm exercises while hammering around on-ramps.

Thankfully, the leather-wrapped wheel is a nice thing to clutch, and comes standard with twelve (12!) steering wheel-mounted controls for the stereo and multi-function display between the tach and speedo. The buttons are more flush than you'd find in other applications, which should make mid-corner station changes and volume adjustments less of a hassle, but on more than one occasion we inadvertently skipped a track in our playlist.

If AM, FM, satellite radio or one of six CDs on order doesn't suit your tastes, VW offers three ways to port your digitized music into the touch-screen stereo. A small slot below the display accepts an SD card, while an auxiliary jack is mounted on the center console, aft of the cup holders and a "Media Device Interface for iPod® Integration" (read: $199 cable) is fitted inside the claustrophobic arm rest.

Our tester's nav-less touch-screen was easy to operate after a few days of exploration, and we've yet to crack the owner's manual in frustration. However, one thing to note about using an iPod along with a smartphone: You can't toggle between the two. If you want to use the 1/8-inch jack to stream tunes from your phone, you'll have to physically disconnect the iPod from its cable as there's no way to select an individual auxiliary source.

But enough of this prattling on about functionality and ergonomics. This is, after all, a Jetta. And we've got one question to answer and two of our favorite California test roads await.

The drive to our first paved playground involved a run across a few freeways, and here the TDI's Teutonic flavor shown through. Despite its stiffened suspension, the Jetta was equally at ease during high-speed passes and battle-scarred, right lane drudgery. The 140 horsepower offered up by the 2.0-liter turbodiesel won't set the world (or tires) on fire, but the 236 pound-feet of torque makes simple work of the six-speed DSG's ratios, catapulting you to freeway speeds with an assured quickness. Each successive gear is dispatched with the slightest (and we really mean slightest) pause, further proof that while ye ol' torque converter is alive and well in the new century, the dual-clutch gearbox continues to be a modern masterpiece (talk to Ferrari and McLaren if you're in doubt).

As you'd expect, the engine note isn't a sexy serenade – the idle is decidedly diesel and there's a mild racket at 75 mph (around 2,500 rpm), which is lessened/consumed by wind noise by the time you reach 80. However, the steering is sublime. The weighting is near perfect, corrections are rare and the feel is wonderfully direct, if not supremely communicative.

By the time we hit the off-ramp to tackle the first mountain pass, we were impressed. The power delivery is smooth, the gearbox's shifts even smoother. And then things started to get twisty.

Flogging a diesel in a performance setting is an odd one. As you'd expect with most any engine that's got a turbo dangling off the exhaust manifold, there's a fair amount of lag before peak torque arrives at 1,750 rpm. But when you're piloting a petrol-powered turbo, you muscle through the lag and are rewarded by a heaping helping of boost until redline (or near it). With the diesel, the powerband is so shallow and you've only got so many revs to work with before the transmission shifts at 4,500 rpm – 500 rpm revs below redline – that finding tractable power through low-speed bends is damn near impossible. And to exacerbate the situation, no matter what setting we put the gearbox in – Drive, Sport or Manual – the shifts always came 500 rpm shy of redline. With peak horsepower arriving at 4,000 rpm, that severely limits your options.

To make matters worse, most of our test road would normally be taken in second gear with an occasional upshift, but the gearbox boffins insisted on third, and combined with the tranny-imposed redline, we were out of the meaty powerband when the time came to get back on the throttle. It was remarkably reminiscent of the traction control issues we experienced in the Hyundai Genesis Coupe during our comparison test (throttle, wait, wait, wait, power!) and equally as frustrating, TC engaged or not.

So how do you have fun? Charge into a corner carrying a touch too much speed, brake with your left foot and try to keep the revs dialed in with your right. But then, despite loading up the front tires, the all-season rubber gives up the ghost and brake fade – something that was largely kept in check during our first run – came on (predictably) quicker. Entertaining? No. Rewarding? A bit. Frustrating? More than we can describe.

However – and this is important – high-speed blasts are a completely different beast. Keep things in third or fourth and you simply fly. The chassis, reworked suspension and, in particular, the larger rear anti-roll bar, all work in concert to deliver a surprisingly sporty experience, soaking up bumps with aplomb and doing a remarkable job of communicating what's going on at all four-corners. The brakes, while a bit mushy on first application, firm up further down the travel and fade comes on much later thanks to longer bouts between applications. Understeer rears its head earlier than we'd like, but the aforementioned mid-bend dab of the brake quells it to a point. The TDI Cup still needs stickier gumballs to live up to its nameplate, and a beefed-up set of brake pads would be a requirement for track time.

So can "diesel" and "sport" co-exist? In this case, it depends on the setting. In certain situations, we would've preferred the control afforded by a manual gearbox, and thankfully, VW obliges with a standard row-your-own six-speed as an option, though we suspect the dual-clutch is just what the doctor ordered for everyday commuting. Upgrade the tires and fit some high-performance pads, and you've got an entertaining daily driver that can play nice on the track. And just as importantly (if not more so), on the way there you'll be hitting 30 mpg in the city and 42 mpg on the highway. During our time we were averaging around 37 mpg – easily unmatched by anything this side of a hybrid – and we had assuredly more fun in the process. Given the right stretch of road and a proper set of performance tires, the Jetta TDI Cup Edition has real potential. And we've got a sneaking suspicion that an on-track rendezvous is in our very near future. Stay tuned...
source by autoblogger

2010 Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera - Click above for high-res image gallery

2010-06-17T21:55:00.000-07:00

2010 Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera - Click above for high-res image gallery

The explosive burble from the V10's exhaust coming off the back straight seems powerful enough to vaporize insects in mid-air. The Howitzer-like concussions shock through the firewall and slam into our spines an instant before the combustive dissonance has time to reverberate off the outside wall and into our eardrums. The menacing acoustics force the other cars on the circuit to back off, while trackside spectators crane their necks to look up and cheer as the Lamborghini rockets by.

We're at California Speedway attending the "The Ultimate Lamborghini Experience." This annual event allows owners to play with their exotics in a controlled environment free of driving citations and other pesky... um, slow cars. Since we don't own an Italian exotic, we have to thank Lamborghini of Beverly Hills for graciously bringing along the automaker's latest and greatest. In this case, it's the Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera.
Lamborghini has made thousands of Gallardos over the past eight years – it's the automaker's best-selling model. The various Gallardo iterations have included the all-wheel-drive Gallardo SE, matte black Gallardo Nera, topless Gallardo Spyder, lightweight Gallardo Superleggera, Gallardo LP 560-4, Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder, Gallardo Super Trofeo and the recent limited-production rear-wheel-drive Gallardo 550-2 "Valentino Balboni."

All pale on a race circuit when compared to the all-new 2010 Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera.

Metamorphosing into the highest-performing Lamborghini Gallardo model to ever leave the assembly line in Sant'Agata Bolognese wasn't easy. Using a 560-4 as a base, Lamborghini painstakingly made dozens of changes to lighten the chassis, improve aerodynamics, refine the suspension and tune the ten-cylinder engine for more power. When it finally debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in early 2010, the newest Gallardo flagship was nothing short of spectacular.

At a glance, the 570-4 Superleggera is physically differentiated by its reworked front bumper with deep trapezoidal frames around the air intakes, a V-shaped nose and LED daytime running lamps. Lamborghini says the new fascia is functional, as it increases engine cooling and adds downforce to the front axle. The underbody, featuring a full belly pan, has new side sills, new tailpipes and a redesigned diffuser to improve aerodynamics. A small spoiler is standard, but a large wing for even more downforce is optional. There are new graphics on the sides and the ever-important identifying "LP 570-4" emblems in front of each rear wheel.

Under the paint, things are a bit more radical. As mentioned, the 570-4 Superleggera is based on the Gallardo 560-4 (itself a lightweight 3,108-pound platform). The new model retains aluminum spaceframe and body panels, but replaces many of the exterior components with lighter composite structures. Carbon fiber has been used on the rear spoiler, sills, diffuser, exterior mirror casings and underbody panels. Composites are also used extensively in the cabin. The center tunnel cover, door panels, transmission surround and sport seat shells are all carbon fiber (our model had an optional carbon fiber package that adds even more "lightness" to the cockpit). Even the "heavy" natural leather has been replaced by lightweight synthetic Alcantara. Still seeking to save more weight, Lamborghini fitted the 570-4 Superleggera with polycarbonate rear and side windows, and a polycarbonate panel over the engine. While the engineering team went seriously unhinged when it came to weight loss, the air conditioning and power windows were deliberately retained (one must not sacrifice comfort, says Lamborghini).

The aluminum double-wishbone suspension is left in place, but the shock absorbers are firmer, the anti-roll bars are stiffened and the mounting points have been reinforced. Standard brakes are huge iron rotors with aluminum calipers. However, our test car was fitted with Lambo's optional carbon-fiber ceramic brake package with 15-inch discs and six-piston calipers in the front, and four-piston units at the rear. The wheels are 10-spoke forged aluminum beauties secured by featherweight, but very strong, titanium wheel bolts. Special Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires are 235/35ZR19 in the front and 295/30ZR19 at the rear.

Mid-mounted in the 570-4 Superleggera is a direct-injected 5.2-liter V10. The engine features an aluminum crankcase, dry sump lubrication and a cylinder angle of 90 degrees (to help lower the center of gravity). With a compression ratio of 12.5:1, and several new engine software tweaks, the powerplant is now rated at 570 horsepower and 399 pound-feet of torque. The exhaust gasses go out quad pipes that are coated with a matte-black heat-resistant ceramic finish that keeps temps in check to avoid the lower panels from melting. The horsepower is sent through the automaker's six-speed single-clutch "e-gear" sequential automatic transmission connected to a permanent all-wheel-drive system, but if rowing your own is a requirement, a six-speed manual transmission is a no-cost option. The powertrain utilizes a central viscous coupling and a 45-percent limited-slip differential on the rear axle. Under normal conditions, the torque is split 30:70, although the bulk of the power is usually directed at the rear wheels.

Lamborghini says the Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera will crack 62 mph in just 3.4 seconds. Even more astonishing is the fact that 0-124 mph falls in just 10.2 seconds, and this high-powered projectile won't run out of horsepower until it hits a tire disintegrating 202 mph.

Thanks to its very strict diet, the new "superlight" Gallardo is 154 pounds lighter than the Gallardo LP 560-4. That's right kids; the new Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera tips the scales at a mere 2,954 pounds, making it the lightest road-going model in the automaker's range. Lamborghini says there is no other model in its lineup that's as close to a true racecar.

And as you'd expect, none of this comes cheap. The base price of a 2010 Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera is $237,600 (plus $2,995 destination and $2,100 in gas-guzzler fees). With a window sticker in hand, our test vehicle was equipped with the following options: Anti-theft system ($800), Superleggera Rear Wing ($6,500), Carbon Ceramic Brakes with black calipers ($15,600), Multimedia/NAV ($3,250), Rear View Camera ($2,600), Superleggera Floor Mats ($750), Carbon Fiber Engine Bay ($4,235), Travel Package ($750) and the Interior Carbon Fiber Package ($4,150). Punched into our solar-powered $3 calculator, the as-tested price is $281,330 (plus tax). You just had to ask.

With that out of the way, it's time to get back down to the business of driving.

The LP 570-4 Superleggera is low – silly low. Standing next to it, with both arms down to our side, it barely comes up to our elbows. With an open-face helmet capping our dome, we drop our six-foot, two-inch frame into the Lamborghini's exquisitely detailed womb. Our rear is firmly planted in the buttery-smooth Alcantara-covered cushion, while the top of our flat-black helmet presses firmly against the Alcantara headliner – we're literally wedged in place (for the record, we fit much better when we take a spin sans helmet later in the day). With our vertical movement apparently secured, we snap the three-point belt firmly to restrain forward movement. There's very little room for our left foot, but since this particular LP 570-4 only has two pedals, it's not a problem for both of our feet to share the tunnel's limited real estate.

The layout of the cabin is familiar to the Gallardo faithful, but the appointments have been upgraded. Snug in the lightweight Lamborghini's cockpit, it takes restraint to not run your fingers over the glass-smooth carbon fiber center console, the suede-like synthetic on the dashboard or the cross-hatch finish on many of the switches. The craftsmanship is stellar. Do not wear driving gloves while piloting the LP 570-4, lest the palms miss out on one of the most exquisite part of the machine: the deliciously shaggy thick suede sport steering wheel.

A traditional key slots into the right side of the steering column. With a twist, the 5.2-liter V10 spins to life. The "e-gear" takes a bit of instruction, but that's why we have Davy Jones sitting in our passenger seat (the 1996 24 Hours of Le Mans winner, not the lead singer for the Monkees).

As mentioned, we are sharing the track today with "The Ultimate Lamborghini Experience." As a result, there are dozens of Lamborghinis (mostly Gallardo and Murcielago models) in the paddock waiting for their turn at the circuit. The organizers are kind enough to let us out before the masses.

Without hesitating further, we press the "S" button on the center console and pull the right column-mounted paddle back to engage first gear (there's an "R" button to the left of the wheel, but since we are in the hot pits at California Speedway, we only need to go forward). The 570-horsepower engine, sitting about a foot behind our ears, resonates smoothly as we rumble past the observers and make our way to the hot track.

Our first few laps are under yellow as the corner workers get into place. We are familiar with the "Roval" at Cal Speedway, but or path today is awkwardly restricted by bright orange cones mid-point on the banked oval to keep everyone's speed down. Wisely, we use the first five minutes orienting ourselves with the Lambo's basic mannerisms. Except for a lack of outward visibility, it seems surprisingly docile and easy to drive at low speeds.

Green flag up. Accelerator pedal down. Responding to our right foot, the sequential automatic abruptly drops a gear and a deep roar emanates from behind our backsides. We are pressed and molded into our seatbacks like warm Play-Doh as the tachometer spins towards its 8,500 rpm redline. The second-to-third upshift is harsh and not particularly quick when compared to the best dual-clutch gearboxes, but it keeps us pinned in our seat grinning ear-to-ear as our velocity increases.

No more than 20 seconds later, we run out of banked oval as Turn 1 starts to fill our windshield. Strong on the brakes and the speed bleeds much faster than we anticipate (the huge ceramic discs like very firm pressure – the feel of the pedal perfectly mimics a race car). The 90-degree left is easy, as we are now going too slowly. We need to increase velocity for the upcoming right so we get back on the throttle. Caught off guard by our right foot again, the e-gear drops abruptly down to second gear and the back wheels momentarily break loose under the sudden increase in torque. The LP 570-4 Superleggera squirms a few times, and then briefly drops a wheel into the grass as we input corrective steering. This requires serious concentration.

Fed up with the e-gear's abrupt "logic," we find manually shifting via paddles to be much more effective, even if they are small and a bit hard to find in the heat of battle. Downshifts are accompanied by a super-sexy ten-cylinder throttle blip that takes your breath away (the lightweight acrylic windows let all the right sensations in), while upshifts are instantly delivered on command. Thanks to a center of gravity that requires a spatula to get under, the LP 570-4 lacks anything even remotely resembling body roll. Corner transitions are completely flat and quite mechanical, but the Lamborghini gives very palpable and welcomed feedback through its controls. Nothing is artificially overboosted.

It takes about five laps before we are comfortable. By then, we think we've figured it out.

The LP 570-4 Superleggera prefers to go in hot and take advantage of its huge brakes to bleed speed just before turn-in. It rewards light throttle in the corners, to keep the rear wheels at the limit of their adhesion, then generous power in the exits to utilize cat-like all-wheel-drive grip to pull hard out of the corners. There is plenty of available power. Oversteer is just a quarter-inch of throttle travel away at nearly any velocity. This is bloody fun.

And 45 minutes later it's over. They pry the keys from our hands. We weep.

Back in the pits, two impressions have stuck. First, the lack of mass helps immeasurably during initial high-speed turn-in. Whistling past the start/finish line at 150+ mph, we needed to drop down to 60 mph and make a tricky off-camber turn to get through the cone "barricade." Nearly every car we've ever had on this track needs to be handled with kid gloves when shuffled at those speeds. If not, the back end continues in its original trajectory. Not so in the LP570-4 Superleggera. We could grab the brakes and initialize our turn without worrying that the rest of the machine wasn't going to follow. Credit its low mass, low center of gravity, sticky tires and a wide stance. Second, it drives much smaller than it appears. We've had big cars on road circuits that seem to swell up when flogged (the Dodge Viper and Challenger SRT8 come to mind). The Lamborghini seemed to shrink. While it's no Lotus Exige, the Lambo's girth never prevented us from putting the tires exactly where they needed to go.

Lamborghini owners will scoff at this, but we half-expected the Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera to drive like an Audi R8 5.2 V10 (no hiding the truth that they are heavy DNA-sharing cousins). In fact, most cynics will say that you can put the aforementioned Audi in your driveway for $100,000 less with nearly the same performance. Not so fast. The Audi R8 is damn near perfect, but it's no Lamborghini. The 570-4 Superleggera is lighter (by a staggering 761 pounds), shorter in height (by 3.4 inches) and in length (by 1.9 inches). The R8 5.2 is also down 45 horsepower (costing the Audi two full seconds in a timed race to 124 mph against the Lamborghini).

In all fairness, the R8 5.2 is a trophy-toting beauty queen while the LP 570-4 is an international supermodel – but let's ignore the ocular comparisons for now. The Audi is amazingly easy to drive fast, and just as easy to drive slowly. The German is comfortable, roomy and well-mannered. The Lamborghini is harder to drive, but faster and more rewarding at speed. The Italian is impeccably finished, but raw by design. To be more concise: The Audi can waltz, but the Lamborghini grabs you and does an R-rated Rio tango.

The Audi doesn't really compete with the LP 570-4 Superleggera, nor does the Aston Martin DBS or Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, for that matter. However, the upcoming Porsche GT2 RS may put up a good fight. We didn't check with Animal Planet, but our current research says the only true natural enemy of the LP 570-4 Superleggera could be the stunning Ferrari 458 Italia. Owners need not worry, as this Lamborghini will most likely never cross paths with any worthy adversary.

The 570-4 Superleggera is unquestionably the most talented Lamborghini on the road today. Fusing a highly-tuned powerplant and a sophisticated drive system to a lightweight chassis is what real sports cars are all about. Unlike its predecessors that seemed to possess more panache than event-winning medals, the all-new 2010 Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera delivers astronomical performance that will not only land the coupe on the red carpet, but more often than not, on the top of the podium.

Family Truckster Reborn: 2011 Honda Odyssey Revealed

2010-06-17T21:35:00.000-07:00

Just under an hour ago, the 2011 Honda Odyssey was revealed to journalists via an online video presentation.

Earlier this afternoon, Honda engineers explained the key features of the latest Odyssey, using the word "intuitive" to describe the changes that differentiate this model from its forebear. Few details were revealed about the Odyssey's driving dynamics in the presentation, but we know the Odyssey will retain a 3.5-liter V-6 engine, and achieve similar EPA fuel economy numbers to the current model.

The engineers' presentation instead focused most on interior features, presumably for potential buyers with young children. Innovative features to the 2011 Odyssey will include a center dash-mounted "cool box," 15 (!) cupholders, and a bevy of interior electronic gadgetry and places to store accessories like iPods and cell phones. The Odyssey has grown in nearly all dimensions to make all three rows of seating more accommodating.

The 2011 Odyssey seems a careful evolution of the last two generations of sliding-door Odysseys -- don't forget the first Odyssey of 1994 with traditional doors. What do you think? Does the latest design strike a chord with your inner minivan fan?

Source: Honda

FEATURES: Eight Great Volkswagen-Italdesign Collaborations

2010-06-12T17:26:00.000-07:00

The ink on the marriage license is still drying, but Volkswagen and Italdesign-Giugiaro -- which officially merged earlier this week -- are hardly strangers. In fact, the two firms have been courting one another for nearly four decades.

Any Volkswagen nut will be happy to tell you that Italdesign founder and chief designer Giorgetto Giugiaro helped style the original Passat, Golf/Rabbit, and Scirocco, but we've delved a little further into the Italdesign archives to see how deep this relationship truly runs. We've rounded up eight great VW-Italdesign collaborations for you here -- while some are simply rolling sculpture, others have had a profound influence on Volkswagen history.
...next page >>

Infiniti G37 Sport Sedan

2010-06-12T15:45:00.000-07:00

Infiniti G37 Sport Sedan

- Base price: $37,865
- 328 hp, 269 lb-ft of torque
- Inexpensive, powerful luxury sedan

Although the Infiniti G37 is available in coupe and sedan models, again the obvious family choice is the four-door. Available in several trim levels, the Sport model is the best performer of the bunch. With pricing for the Sport sedan coming in at $37,865, it can easily be considered one of the least expensive luxury sport sedans available today.

The G37's 328 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque come from its 3.7-liter normally aspirated V-6 engine. A six-speed manual is the sole transmission option for the Sport sedan. Eighteen-inch five-spoke wheels come standard on the Sport model. Four-piston calipers grab fourteen-inch rotors in the front, whereas two-piston calipers slow 13.8-inch discs in the back. The rear wheels spin harmoniously with the help of a viscous limited-slip differential, and a sport-tuned suspension aids spirited driving maneuvers.

Dual-zone automatic climate control helps keep all occupants comfortable, while leather seating throughout not only adds to the comfort level but also eases the task of cleaning crumbs. Family sing-alongs are sure to be fun with the standard ten-speaker Bose audio system. Audio can be piped to the Bose system either through the iPod connector or via the G37's streaming Bluetooth capabilities. The two gigabytes of onboard storage can house a significant amount of music, too. Infiniti's Advanced Air Bag System adjusts inflation rates for the front air bags depending on crash severity. EPA fuel economy numbers indicate that the G37 Sport sedan should be able to attain 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. The G37 Sport sedan leads the $30,000 to $40,000 pack in luxury, sporty feel, and above all family friendliness. ...
source by automobilemag

2011 Mercedes-Benz S350 4MATIC BlueTec Diesel

2010-06-11T11:22:00.000-07:00

Mercedes-Benz is adding another efficiency-minded model to the S-class lineup by bringing the European S350 diesel to the U.S. for 2011. As configured here, the S350’s 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V-6 will be rated at 241 hp and 429 lb-ft of torque, up from 235 hp and 398 lb-ft for the Euro model. The S350 will be the only full-size luxury sedan offered with a diesel engine in the States.

The U.S.-market S350 will wear BlueTec badges and therefore use AdBlue urea injection to clean up the exhaust. It will be available exclusively with 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The 2011 ML350, R350, GL350, and E350 diesels use a similar turbo-diesel V-6 rated at 210 hp and 400 lb-ft. EPA ratings for the S350 BlueTec aren’t available yet, but the optimistic Europeans rate the S350 at a combined 37 mpg, so high 20s on the highway is a reasonable expectation for EPA tests. It’s sure to be more efficient than the gutsy S550 and S600 and perhaps even better than the S400 hybrid’s 19 city/26 highway mpg ratings.

Power-wise, the S350 will slot in at the bottom of the S-class range, with slightly less horsepower than the hybrid, but with the added bonus of heaps more torque. Expect it to be the slowest S-class, too; Mercedes says the European rear-drive S350 takes 7.8 seconds to reach 62 mph—for reference, we got the S400 hybrid to the 60-mph mark in 7.1 seconds. But Americans picking a diesel likely value other qualities higher than all-out speed.

Pricing is a little harder to pin down. Mercedes says it won’t release official numbers until closer to the model’s launch in the first quarter of 2011. We do know the S350 won’t be a stripper (a relative term with an S-class) and will be available with most of the same packages and equipment as other trim levels.

Broadly speaking, it’s not that surprising to see automakers putting smaller, more efficient powertrains in their luxury machines; witness the availability of six-cylinder engines in the BMW 740i/Li and Porsche Panamera. While a small diesel doesn’t necessarily fit the traditional S-class image in the U.S., it will satisfy eco-conscious buyers and help improve Mercedes’ average fuel-economy figures.
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New Morgan Concept Will be Unveiled at 2010 Pebble Beach Concours

2010-06-11T10:06:00.000-07:00

Change comes slowly to the Morgan Motor Company, so it’s rather interesting to learn the British sports car manufacturer plans to show a new model at the 2010 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

According to Autocar, the new Morgan will technically be billed as a concept, but is actually a good look at a new model that will likely reach production in 2012 or 2013. Morgan hopes the car -- a 2+2 -- will bridge the gap between the its traditional models (i.e. the 4/4, +4, and Roadster) and the radical Aero lineup.

Although it dates from 2000, the Aero range is Morgan’s most recent product innovation (unless you count the Lifecar show car). The latest iteration, the Aero Super Sports, was unveiled at last year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, and is designed to be street legal in the U.S.

Source: Autocar

Morgan’s 2009 Sales Record? 690 Cars Sold

2010-06-11T10:01:00.000-07:00

Like Subaru, it seems British sports car manufacturer Morgan Cars had a record 2009 -- although its sales figure is slightly smaller.

The company managed to push out 690 cars in the course of 2009. Although that’s about 0.3 percent of what Subaru sold in the U.S., it’s also a considerable increase for Morgan, which continues to hand-build sports cars in Malvern, England (complete with wooden body frames). On average, the factory turns out around 400 cars annually.

Autocar reports sales may continue to be strong, as the company’s new SuperSports model -- essentially an Aeromax coupe with a removable roof panel -- was designed to be street legal in the U.S. The company expects to build 200 SuperSports, and approximately 740 cars in total.

Source: Autocar

Is Subaru Considering a Diesel-Powered WRX STI for Europe

2010-06-11T09:50:00.000-07:00

Subaru Tecnica Institute has produced high performance vehicles for over 22 years, but for the first time in its history, there may soon be a diesel-powered Subaru Impreza, tuned for performance, in Europe.

Subaru developed a diesel variant of its famous boxer engine for Europe, which made its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show back in 2007. Fast forward to January 2009, when it launched the diesel-powered Impreza for Europe, whose 2.0-liter flat four turbocharged engine produced 227 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed manual transmission. With Europe's strict emission laws, a diesel-powered STI could be just what Subaru needs to remain compliant.

But will a diesel-powered STI be able to compete with its gasoline-powered stable mate? With a little massaging from Subaru's in-house racing division, it should easily be able to compete. With its low center of gravity, superior fuel economy and low-end torque, a diesel boxer would make perfect sense for the STI. A 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four gasoline powered STI pumps out 305 horsepower and 290 pound-feet of torque, and we're confident Subaru wouldn't release an oil burning Impreza WRX STI unless it was comparable to the gasoline version.

Just this week, we reported that Subaru greatly improved upon the 2011 STI's handling characteristics. New anti-roll bars, stiffer springs, improved bushings and a lowered ride height all combine for the improved handling. With its improved equipment, the Subaru just lapped the Nürburgring Nordschleife in a record-breaking 7:55. If the rumors from Autocar are true, don't expect a diesel STI to be launched until the Impreza enters its next generation for the 2012 model year.

Source: Autocar

GM Recalling 1.5 Million Vehicles Due To Fire Risks

2010-06-10T14:51:00.000-07:00

General Motors Co. is undergoing a massive recall of 1.5 million 2006-2009 model year vehicles to disable a heated washer fluid system that poses a potential fire risk. The recall, slated to begin on June 14, covers 18 models from the Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Hummer and Saturn brands.

The heated washer fluid system was the subject of an August 2008 recall that included many of the same vehicles. Reports were that shorts in the system caused fires; a wire harness, which contained a fuse, was installed as a preventative measure. According to GM, however, the module’s internal thermal-protection device did not function properly and the fire risk remained.

As a result of the continuing fire risk, the automaker will remove the heated washer fluid module and reroute the fluid hoses.

GM said that it has since learned of 5 fires caused by the heated washer fluid system, but is unaware of any injuries or crashes related to the problem. Though there have been a small number of incidents, GM clearly isn’t taking any chances.

"While our analysis shows the number of incidents is very small compared with the number of vehicles on the road, we want our customers to have complete peace of mind," said Jeff Boyer, GM executive director of Safety in a press release.

Vehicles included in the recall are the 2006-2009 model year Buick Lucerne; Cadillac DTS; Hummer H2; 2008-2009 model year Buick Enclave; Cadillac CTS; 2007-2009 model year Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT; Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe; GMC Acadia, Sierra, Yukon, Yukon XL; Saturn Outlook; and 2009 model year Chevrolet Traverse.

Approximately 1.4 million of the vehicles under recall are in the United States, but the rest are in Canada, Mexico, and other countries, GM stated.

Because the feature will be disabled, GM has said it will make a voluntary payment of $100 to owners of lessees of recalled vehicles in addition to paying the actual cost of repair.

Owners will begin receiving recall notifications via mail this month, but can contact their dealer at any time for an appointment to have the heated washer fluid system removed.
source by autoblog

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General Motors Garners Nearly $9 Million in Ads with MLB Corvette Giveaway

2010-06-10T11:19:00.000-07:00

Earlier this week, we posted how General Motors offered a brand-new 2011 Chevrolet Corvette convertible to Detroit Tiger pitcher Armando Galarraga for his near perfect game against the Cleveland Indians. That generosity may have been a near $9 million win for GM as well.

According to Joyce Julius & Associates Inc., which measures and analyzes the impact of sponsorship on all forms of media from print to television to the Internet, General Motors’ giveaway to Galarraga generated nearly $1 million in exposure in over 700 television programs and nearly $8 million in over 150,000 publications, Internet articles and posts. Note that the automaker never requested or commissioned the study.

“We were not contracted to do the study,” Eric Wright, Joyce Julius' vice president of research and product development, said in an e-mail to Crain's Detroit Business, an affiliate of Automotive News. “We often look at national level happenings in sponsorship and provide that information to all of our clients and the media.”

Source: Automotive News (Subscription required)

Mercedes-Benz Dresses 2011 S63 AMG Like Classic 300SEL 6.8 AMG

2010-06-10T11:07:00.000-07:00

Mercedes-Benz will be releasing its new 2011 S63 AMG this fall and has chosen to dress it up like the famed 300SEL 6.8 AMG endurance racer that once competed in the 24 Hours of Spa.

In 1971, the 300SEL 6.8 AMG took to the track of Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium to prove its mettle in that year's 24 Hours of Spa, and it performed admirably. Facing heavily favored racers including the Ford Capri RS, BMW 2800 CS, Chevrolet Camaro, Opel Commodore, and Alfa Romeo GTA, the 300SEL 6.8 AMG placed second after completing 308 laps around the scenic track, behind a Capri and ahead of a Camaro. The Mercedes recorded few mechanical issues but had to refuel often. Following its second-place finish, the red 300SEL gained international acclaim, especially in its home country of Germany. Mercedes even built 300 replicas in 2006.

To celebrate its 1971 success, Mercedes wrapped its new 2011 S63 AMG with matching sponsor decals, looking to channel the spirit of the old AMG-prepped 300SEL. Debuting in the S-Class is AMG's new twin-turbocharged V-8, a hand-built marvel that is more powerful and less fuel-thirsty than the outgoing 6.2-liter V-8.

After adapting the exterior, the two speedy sedans were sent around Spa for a classic photo shoot, and Hans Heyer (co-driver in 1971) was on hand with his trademark Tyrolean hat. As you can tell from the photos, the sticker placements are impeccable.

Mercedes sedan comparison

300SEL 6.8 AMG

Engine -- 6.8-liter V-8 (6.3-liter for the standard 300SEL 6.3)
Power -- 422 horsepower, 448 pound-feet of torque (247 horsepower, 369 pound-feet of torque for the non-AMG version)
Weight -- 3600 pounds
Top speed -- 165 mph
1971 24 Hours of Spa drivers -- Hans Heyer and Clemens Schickentanz

2011 S63 AMG

Engine -- 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V-8
Power -- 536 horsepower, 590 pound-feet of torque (563 horsepower, 664 pound-feet of torque with performance package)
Weight -- 4700 pounds (estimate)
Top speed -- 155 mph (186 mph with performance package)

The 2010 24 Hours of Spa will be held July 29 to August 1.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

2011 WRX STI sedan runs 'Ring in 7:55, quickest ever for Subaru

2010-06-09T22:49:00.000-07:00

Quick: What's the fastest production sedan in the world? Does it wear a Mercedes-Benz, Audi or BMW badge? What about the Porsche Panamera Turbo or the Cadillac CTS-V? There's no doubt that each of these vehicular behemoths is capable of ripping off some fast times on a race track near you, but Subaru is out to prove that its new 2011 WRX STI sedan has the chops to keep pace with the best from the rest of the world.

To prove its point, Subaru recently sent test driver and four-time World Rally Champion Tommi Mäkinen out to the famed Nürburgring Nordschleife course in Germany with a 2011 STI test car. According to reports, the vehicle used in this testing was equipped with a few significant upgrades including a larger turbocharger that normally sees duty in the Japanese R205 model and some lightweight aluminum bits, but one thing is for certain: the 7:55 lap time is a mighty impressive result.

For those keeping track of such things, the previous best lap set by a Subaru WRX STI was in 2004 at 7:59.41 and the new mark set by Subaru – albeit with a
prototype, not a production car – is quicker than any of the aforementioned competition. Best of all, there's a video of one entire lap around the 'Ring and you can find the in-car footage after the break.

$20 Price Bump For 2011 Corvette Line; ZR1 Jumps By $2920

2010-06-09T21:04:00.000-07:00

Chevrolet hasn't revealed how much the Z06 Carbon will cost, but, thanks to leaked 2011 Corvette pricing, you should be able to spec a Z06 just like one for under $90,000. The Z07 performance package, which outfits a standard Z06 with the Carbon's Brembo brakes, Michelin tires, and fancy magnetic dampers, costs $9495. The CFZ package, which adds carbon-fiber bodywork, adds $3995. And the 2011 Z06's price? Like the base model and Grand Sport, it increases by $20, now costing $74,895.

This pricing information comes from Corvette Blogger, who claims to have received it Kerbeck Corvette, a dealer in New Jersey.

A base Corvette coupe is still under the $50,000 mark after destination, at $49,540. A Grand Sport coupe isn't far off, at $55,380. And the herculean ZR1, for 2011, now totals $110,390 after its $2920 price bump.

That Z06 Carbon replica? Take the Z06, add Z07 and CFZ packages, and you're at $88,385. That's assuming, of course, Chevy won't require you to pick items like the $7170 3LZ premium equipment group, and so on.

The options list follows:
C2L Roof Package - Includes Painted and Glass Tops $1,400
CC3 Glass Roof instead of Painted Roof $750
CCR Special order option $0
CFZ Z06 Carbon Fiber Package $3,995
D30 Color Combination Override $590
F55 Magnetic Selective Ride Control - Grand Sports $1,695
F55 Magnetic Selective Ride Control - Coupe/Conv $1,995
H33 Cyber Gray Metallic Headlamp Override $590
H34 Blade Silver Metallic Headlamp Override $590
H35 Black Headlamp Override $590
J55 Cross Drilled Brake Rotors $500
MN6 6-Speed Manual Transmission $0
MXO 6-Speed Paddle Shift Automatic Transmission $1,250
NPP Dual Mode Exhaust $1,195
PYD Grand Sport Competition Gray Wheels $395
PYE Grand Sport Chrome Wheels $1,995
Q44 Z06 Competition Gray Wheels $395
Q6B ZR1 Chrome Wheels $2,000
Q6J ZR1 Competition Gray Wheels $395
Q76 Z06 Original Chrome 10 spoke Wheels $1,495
Q8A Z06 Spider Chrome Wheels $1,995
Q9V Chrome 5 Spoke Wheels - Coupe and Conv Only $1,850
QX1 Split Spoke Competition Gray Wheels $395
R8C Museum Delivery $490
U3U Navigation 6.5" Screen $1,795
US9 6 Disc CD Changer $395
Z07 Z06 Ultimate Performance Package $9,495
Z15 Grand Sport Heritage Package $1,195
**6 Two-Tone Seating $695
36S Custom Leather Stitching - Yellow $395
37S Custom Leather Stitching - Blue $395
38S Custom Leather Stitching - Red $395
0B1 Cross Flag Embroidery on Headrests $300
28U Inferno Orange Metiallic $300
45U Velocity Yellow Premium Tintcoat $850
85U Jetstream Blue Premium Tintcoat $850
89U Crystal Red Premium Tintcoat $850
GLB Supersonic Blue Metallic $300

All vehicle pricing includes a $590 destination charge.

Source: Corvette Blogger

Spied: U.S.-Spec Fiat 500s Testing in Ann Arbor

2010-06-08T14:50:00.000-07:00

Ann Arbor, we’re told, is a perfect college town -- but as it’s about 18 miles east of Chrysler’s proving grounds in Chelsea, Michigan, it’s also an ideal road trip destination for engineers exercising Fiat 500 prototypes.

We caught this duo of U.S.-spec 500 test vehicles following one white Euro-spec 500 through downtown Ann Arbor earlier this afternoon. Although we weren’t able to whip our camera out in time to catch all three Cinquecentos in a row, the U.S.-spec prototypes wore body stampings painted in black, and looked slightly wider than European models.

If our visual ruler holds true, this may lend credence to reports suggesting the 500 will grow slightly for its North American debut, allowing Fiat’s little hatchback to move to a new platform, will also underpin the Panda.

Production of the U.S.-spec cars is expected to commence in Chrysler’s Pueblo, Mexico, assembly plant this December. The base 500 will be the first to reach market in early 2011, while the 500C convertible, the performance-tuned Abarth, and a new station wagon model will follow shortly afterward. An electric-powered model and a four-door variant are also being considered.

Revealed: Subaru Cosworth Impreza WRX STI CS400 Road-Going Rally Car

2010-06-08T14:46:00.000-07:00

Subaru and Cosworth teased us earlier this year with a monster WRX STI, but now the full details on the finished product -- the Cosworth WRX STI CS400 -- have been revealed.

As Cosworth’s forte lies with engines, it’s not too surprising to read that the majority of CS400’s changes rest within the engine compartment. The CS400 retains the STI’s turbocharged 2.5-liter boxer-four-cylinder engine, but it’s received some serious surgery. Cosworth installs new high-performance pistons, high-strength steel connecting rods, and Cosworth-designed engine bearings. A new Cosworth-designed head gasket is also added, along with a high-pressure oil pump, and a revised turbocharger compressor and wastegate.

Cosworth hasn’t disclosed the boost pressures used, but the revisions -- along with a new exhaust system and revised ECU -- are enough to get the turbocharged engine pumping out 395 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque. That’s roughly 90 ponies and 103 pound-feet more than a U.S.-spec 2011 WRX STI.

We’d celebrate the car simply for the extra power, but Cosworth didn’t stop there. Engineers at the tuning firm partnered with Bilstein and Eibach to revamp the WRX’s chassis tuning to incorporate new coil springs that drop the ride height by a half-inch. Fourteen-inch AP Racing brake discs were added all around, a significant improvement over the 13- and 12.6-inch front and rear discs used on the 2011 STI.

Cosmetic tweaks are subtle, but they do help differentiate the CS400 from a standard WRX STI. Cossie-tuned Imprezas receive a new front fascia with foglamps, a mesh grille insert, and a unique rear spoiler. Larger 18-inch wheels not only help dress up the car’s appearance, but also increase the STI’s track by a half-inch. Buyers have little say in the exterior décor, but can choose between three paint colors (red, silver, and dark grey). Inside, all cars receive Recaro racing seats in lieu of the stock front buckets.

Only 75 of these incredible machines will be produced, and as we suspected, none will (legally) make their way to North America. The entire production run will consist of right-hand-drive models and will be sold in the United Kingdom. The CS400 will cost a whopping £22,505 more than the base WRX STI, bringing the total to £49,995.

Source: Autocar

Subaru Launches Impreza WRX STI Spec C for Japanese Market

2010-06-08T14:37:00.000-07:00

We wouldn’t exactly call Subaru’s WRX STI “soft,” but the Japanese automaker has just launched the WRX STI Spec C--a performance-tuned variant exclusively for the Japanese market.

Sure, the Spec C still uses the same 2.0-liter turbocharged boxer-four underhood, but engineers made a few small tweaks to boost performance. A redesigned turbocharger, along with a re-mapped engine computer, are said to help reduce turbo lag and improve the car’s top-end. The STI Spec C also receives an intercooler water injector, allowing intake air to remain cool, even at speed.

In the twisties, drivers will likely notice tighter steering and less body roll, thanks in part to a reinforced front suspension crossmember, stiffer coil springs, and unique rear sub-frame bushings. Subaru also replaced the rear differential with a Torsion-type unit, designed to enhance traction in corners.

If that weren’t enough, engineers put the STI on a crash diet. The Spec C gains an aluminum hood, laminate side windows, a smaller battery, and loses a spare tire in the name of saving weight. Subaru also developed a new set of 18-inch aluminum wheels (shod in Bridgetson Potenza RE070 rubber) said to further reduce unsprung weight.
If this sounds like your dream Impreza, rest assured it will remain that way. Only 900 examples will be built, and unless you’re living in Japan, it won’t be sold in your neck of the woods.

soure by automobilemag

Panned: Mansory's 690-HP Take on the Porsche Panamera Turbo

2010-06-08T11:33:00.000-07:00

We're pretty sure both subtle and tasteful aren't words found in Swiss tuner Mansory's vocabulary. After displaying an unusually trimmed Rolls Royce at the 2010 Geneva motor show, the company recently unveiled its latest creation: a rather powerful -- if not gaudy -- take on the Porsche Panamera Turbo.

As it rolls off Porsche's assembly line, the Panamera Turbo is certainly no slouch. A stock Turbo develops nearly 500 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque from a twin-turbocharged 4.8-liter V-8. By bolting on some larger turbochargers, adding a new stainless steel exhaust system, and tweaking the engine management software, Mansory manages to coax nearly 690 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. Top speed is reportedly in the realm of 204 mph, an improvement over the stock Turbo's top end of 188 mph.

Certainly, the wild yellow-on-blue paint scheme shown on this particular Panamera lends the project no favors, but the four-piece body kit -- which includes a gaping front fascia and an enormous rear diffuser out back -- doesn't exactly enhance the sedan's shape. Mansory replaces the stock hood with one crafted from carbon fiber, while a rear spoiler is crafted from the same material. Fender flares have also been added largely to fit the new set of 22-inch forged wheels.

Inside, the Panamera's cabin is largely stock, although Mansory bathes it in leather hides. Interior trim can be crafted from either carbon fiber or a variety of woods, while aluminum is used to dress up the pedals. Although this car sports a retina-scalding décor pattern, customers can order a car to their precise tastes.

For whatever reason, Mansory places a badge on the rear bumper proclaiming its custom Panamera to be a limited edition. We can't help but be thankful for that fact -- we're not sure we're ready for Mansory-tuned Porsches to become a common sighting on our local streets.

Source: Mansory

Tesla Generates $13.8 Million through Emissions Credit Sale

2010-06-08T11:18:00.000-07:00

To help keep the company wheels turning, Tesla has sold its banked vehicle emissions credits to other automakers and raised $13.8 million.

Since setting up shop in 2003, Tesla has barely managed to turn a profit from selling its $130,000 Roadsters. About 1000 of the pure-electric Roadsters have been sold -- primarily to big-shot actors, musicians, and electric-car fans -- and Tesla is slowly inching towards its initial public offering that is expected to generate at least $100 million. Before its IPO, however, the Palo Alto, California-based company must keep the doors open and payroll up-to-date, and that is where the emissions credit sales come into play. Tesla disclosed it sold credits to Honda and at least one other unidentified automaker in an initial IPO filing.

The emissions credit program is managed by the California Air Resources Board and allows automakers to score points with the notoriously stringent state. Recent California emissions-control regulation from 2008 mandated the largest automakers -- Ford, General Motors, Honda, Nissan, and Toyota -- must combine to sell at least 60,000 plug-in hybrid or pure-electric vehicles in the state over a three-year period. The credits, which are measured in grams per mile of non-methane organic gas (g/mile NMOG), are earned with each certified clean- or zero-emissions vehicle sold and stored within a state database. Companies with more-polluting vehicles can use the credits to offset the extra emissions.

"Having these credits gives us some flexibility for the future," said Robert Bienenfeld, Honda's U.S. senior manager for environment and energy strategy. "Whether we'll need to purchase more, I can't say."

Without the credits, automakers are subject to state fines, fees, and potential sales restrictions in California, one of the largest auto markets in the United States.

To further strengthen its commitment to the Golden State, Tesla recently joined forces with Toyota to retool the former NUMMI plant in Fremont to build the entry-level Model S sedan.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription required)

Rhys Millen Scores First Podium Finish for Hyundai Genesis Coupe

2010-06-07T13:45:00.000-07:00

The main attraction at last weekend's Formula Drift event in Long Beach was the final bout between Ford driver Vaughn Gittin Jr. and Hyundai pilot Rhys Millen.

Gitten Jr. got the upper hand this round in his 2010 Falken Tire Ford Mustang GT, but with the collection of considerable talent in the series, the Maryland native will have to work hard to defend his crown.

The knockout series witnessed the competition whittle down to Gittin Jr., Millen, Tanner Foust, and Fredric Aasbo in the semi-finals. Foust, two-time Formula D champion, took third position in his 800-horsepower, NASCAR-powered Scion tC. Millen had a terrific showing for Hyundai, putting his 650-horsepower Genesis Coupe in second place and erasing any competitive doubts stemming from the 2009 season.

“I was in sync with my Genesis Coupe during the entire campaign and step one was to qualify first,” said Millen. “The car had so much grip and power I was able to put it close to the walls and mirror the other competitors’ cars’ every move. Nothing compares to the pressure and thrill of the ‘win it or lose it’ factor while competing against more than 50 other cars and drivers.”

The next round of the 2010 Formula Drift season will be held at Road Atlanta May 7-8.

Sources: Formula Drift, Hyundai

Unlimited Potential: First Look at Rhys Millen’s New Hyundai Pikes Peak Car

2010-06-07T13:41:00.000-07:00

When it comes to the “unlimited” class at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, the sky is literally the limit. Drivers have been fielding some wild vehicles in the group for decades on end, but none has been quite as intimidating as Rhys Millen’s latest ride, the Hyundai Genesis RMR PM850.

“This is the package I need to break the record,” Millen said. “We are building a car for today’s [course]. The car will have a sleek aerodynamic body, the grip of Toyo Proxy tires, and the power and durability of a Hyundai engine.”

That engine, along with the Hyundai emblems, may be the only thing remotely associated with a production Genesis Coupe. The PM850 looks as if it’d be more at home on the Hunaudières Straight than a Hyundai showroom floor. Closely resembling a contemporary Le Mans prototype, the PM850 makes use of a chromoly frame and roll cage, along with a body crafted entirely of carbon fiber.

Although Rhys Millen Racing started with a stock 3.8-liter “Lambda” V-6, the finished product is radically different than the six-cylinder found in the Genesis Coupe. RMR stroked the engine, bringing its displacement up to 4.1 liters, and then mated the six-cylinder with a HKS T04Z turbocharger, an intercooler, and customized exhaust manifolds. At this point, the team says the engine is capable of producing nearly 750 horsepower.

Harnessing that power may prove to be difficult, but RMR thinks a custom all-wheel-drive system may do the trick. The turbocharged Lambda is mated to a semi-automatic transmission supplied by Weismann, which then channels power through an active center differential to two Quaife differentials. According to Hyundai, the active center diff will allows Millen to send anywhere from 10 to 100 percent of all torque to the front wheels -- important for configuring the car for both the asphalt and dirt portions of the run.

The important question, however, is if the PM850 will be enough to knock Nobuhiro “Monster” Tajima from his record, which stands at 10 minutes and 1.408 seconds. The quest is nothing short of a family affair, as Rhys’ father, Rod, set the previous Pikes Peak record in 1994, racing to the top of the mountain in 10 minutes and 4.06 seconds.

“Breaking into the 9s has been a desire of mine for the last 10 years,” Millen said last week. “I finally have the team, support, and infrastructure to put in a serious effort to go after the world record.

“The main focus is to be the fastest car up the hill, slay the monster, and get the record back in the family name -- the Millen name.”

Source: Hyundai/ RMR

2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS Preview: Lorinser Previews Tuned Next-Gen CLS

2010-06-07T12:11:00.000-07:00

Mercedes-Benz hasn’t even launched its next-generation CLS-Class, but that hasn’t stopped German tuning firm Lorinser from designing a series of cosmetic enhancements for the car.

The new CLS -- which was previewed at the 2010 Detroit auto show with a large sculpture -- is slated to go on sale in 2011, but Lorinser aims to have its own tuned version ready for customers shortly after the launch date. The German tuner already has the bodywork designed, and provided the preview sketch shown above.

According to Lorinser, the body kit is designed to emphasize the new CLS’ masculine and sporty features. A revised front fascia is designed to optimize engine and brake cooling, while swollen fenders allow the tuner to bolt on larger wheels -- we hear the firm plans on offering 21-inch aluminum wheels as an option.

Along with the bodywork, Lorinser will revise the CLS with upgraded chassis, interior trim, and powertrain. We’ve not heard any specifics on any of those improvements, but like any Lorinser product, we imagine the sky -- or the customer’s wallet -- is the limit for modifications.

Lorinser hasn’t detailed exact launch timing for its hopped-up CLS-Class, but noted it will reach dealers in 45 countries -- including the United States -- shortly after the stock version is introduced in 2011.

Source: Lorinser

Verizon Adds 576 Chevrolet Silverado Full-Size Hybrid Pickups for Green Fleet

2010-06-07T12:02:00.000-07:00

Telecom giant Verizon, as part of its "green" goals, finalized sales of 576 model year 2010 Chevy Silverado hybrid full-sized pickups from General Motors Fleet and Commercial Operations.

The purchase is part of Verizon's comprehensive sustainability program which it implemented earlier this year. According to James Gowen, chief sustainability officer for Verizon, “By adding 1,600 alternative energy vehicles to our fleet this year we’re conserving fuel, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality in communities across the country.”

The Silverado's two-mode hybrid powertrain, which General Motors developed with German automakers BMW and then DaimlerChrysler, improves the truck's fuel economy by 40 percent city and 25 percent overall for an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city and 22 mpg highway while maintaining the truck's up to 6,100-pound towing capacity. The hybrid, whose standard 6.0 liter V-8 engine delivers an impressive 332 horsepower and 367 pound-feet of torque, can also move up to 30 mph on electric power alone.

Verizon and GM also worked with BrandFX Body Company to develop a custom fiberglass insert to be installed in the truck’s bed. The light weight insert will minimally impact the truck's mileage while securing service equipment such as ladders, wiring, connectors, and television set boxes.

Source: General Motors

2010-06-06T18:20:00.000-07:00

Ford’s Sync 911 Assist feature, incorporated within its Sync connectivity system, works to automatically contact emergency services should the driver become involved in an accident. A new revision may make it even easier for first responders to quickly locate the vehicle.

As it had in the past, Sync 911 Assist ties into the Bluetooth phone connection incorporated with the Sync system. In the event of an airbag deployment or if the fuel pump shutoff is triggered, Sync 911 uses the phone’s service, automatically places an emergency call, and bypasses intermediary call centers to directly connect the driver to an emergency responder.

Previously, the 911 Assist feature used cell phone signal triangulation to provide emergency responders with the driver’s whereabouts. Ford has vastly improved the system to use the vehicle’s global positioning system (GPS) to provide precise coordinates of the vehicle’s location, helping reduce response time.

“Integrated GPS is a logical next step for 911 Assist, leveraging the GPS hardware that is now included with Sync,” said Gary Jablonski, manager of Ford’s infotainment product development team. “That’s the beauty of the Sync platform -- it can quickly adapt to and accommodate new technologies, features, and services that provide great value to customers without great additional costs.”

The improved Sync 911 Assist is only one of the many updated features available on most 2011 Ford vehicles. The updated 911 Assist feature is included free of charge on all vehicles equipped with MyFord and MyLincoln Touch (i.e. 2011 Ford Edge and Linlcoln MKX), and is available on most 2011 vehicles equipped with Sync. As was previously the case, the system will remain a complimentary service to all owners. Look for the revised system to be demonstrated at the National Emergency Number Association conference in Indianapolis June 5-10.

Source: Ford

Helio Castroneves Takes his Fourth Indy 500 Pole

2010-06-05T13:48:00.000-07:00

The 2010 Indianapolis 500 won’t start until May 30, but as is so often the case with motorsports events, the action isn’t relegated to one weekend -- or, for that matter, one day. Pole Day -- the official qualifying day for the 500 -- was this past Saturday, and determined the starting order for the 500.

After besting his 2009 qualifying speed by over 3 mph, Helio Castroneves will sit in the pole position once again -- and be the first back-top-back Indy 500 pole-sitter since Scott Brayton’s performances in 1995 and 1996. Castroneves earned the position -- his fourth pole qualification at Indy -- by lapping the 2.5-mile track at 227.970 mph (in 2009, his grid-topping speed was 224.864 mph).

Before snagging the lead starting position, Castroneves held second behind Alex Tagliani. With just an hour and a half left in qualifying, Team Penske withdrew Castroneves’ time for a chance to snag the top position. It paid off -- although he had to sit through a tense 90 minutes as he watched other drivers approach his speed.

“Sitting in that car for an hour and a half was not easy at all, especially with everyone getting closer and closer,” said Castroneves. “I was like, ‘Are we going or not?’ because I can’t handle that much pressure.”

At the end of the day, only Castroneves and teammate Will Power (227.578 mph) posted speeds above 227 mph. Ryan Briscoe, Team Penske’s third driver, will start in fourth place, just behind Dario Franchitti. Tagliani -- who once looked to be the front-runner for pole position -- will start the race from fifth place. Scott Dixon, Graham Rahal, Ed Carpenter, and Hideki Mutoh round out the first three rows respectively.

There are some notable absentees from the top nine positions. Ryan Hunter Reay, who currently sits fourth in points in the 2010 IndyCar series, will start the race from the 17th position, while 2008 Indy 500 winner Dan Wheldon will start in 18th place. Danica Patrick will start the race in 23rd place, attributing her dismal qualification to “one of the worst” cars she’s ever driven. Regardless, she did better than 2004 IndyCar champion Tony Kanaan, who crashed twice in 24 hours exiting Turn One. It’s rather miraculous that the Andretti Motorsports team was able to restore his car for yesterday’s Bump Day, which allowed him to earn a 32nd-place starting position, just shy of last place.

Will Castroneves become the fourth driver to win the Indy 500 four times, and earn back-to-back wins from a pole starting position? We’ll know this Sunday after the checkered flag drops at Indy. Look for the race to start at 1:15 p.m. (EST) on Sunday.

Source: Izod IndyCar Official Web site

etro Repeat: BMW 328 Coupe Wins 2010 Mille Miglia

2010-06-05T12:27:00.000-07:00

Seventy years after a BMW 328 first won the event, a 328 Touring Coupe managed to win this year's 1000-mile Mille Miglia race in Italy.

Despite the car's age (it rolled off the line back in 1940), drivers Giuliano Cané and Lucia Galliani suffered no technical issues, although arriving at the event was itself a feat. As was the case back in 1940, the BMW wasn't trucked to the starting line, but driven nearly 300 miles from the company's museum in Munich, Germany, to the checkpoint in Brescia, Italy. Such was the case for the 328 piloted by Enzo Ciravolo and Maria Lietner that ultimately finished third.

Although the cars proved reliable, the race was still quite a challenge. The 1000-mile route takes teams throughout Italy, providing them with both 80-degree heat near the Adriatic Sea and frigid temperatures in the Alps. In a brilliant marketing move, BMW provided drivers -- especially those who fielded the roofless 328 Roadster -- with insulated clothing from its motorcycle accessory range.

"Victory by Cané and Galliani, along with the third place finish of Ciravolo and Leitner, is a marvelous example of teamwork," said Karl Baumer, the director of BMW Classic. "Both the blind understanding between the crews inside the cars and the cooperation with the mechanics along the way worked out perfectly. For that, I would like to say 'thank you' to all those involved."

Source: BMW

Fast Art: Jeff Koons’ BMW M3 GT2 Art Car Revealed

2010-06-05T12:17:00.000-07:00

We’ve seen previews of BMW’s latest Art Car, but we hadn’t seen the finished product -- a M3 GT2 racer decorated by artist Jeff Koons -- until its official unveiling in Paris this morning.

With its 17th Art Car, BMW is returning to its roots, and actually racing the Koons-styled GT2 in the 2010 24 Hours of Le Mans. The first Art Car -- a 1975 3.0 CSL -- was the brainchild of driver Hervè Poulain, who commissioned artist Alexander Calder to dress up the exterior. Poulain ultimately raced the car at Le Mans that year, while two other Art Cars -- a 1976 3.0 CSL decorated by Frank Stella, and a 1979 M1 Procar painted by Andy Warhol -- also competed in the endurance race.

Unlike those early Art Cars, Koons’ product isn’t actually painted. Thanks to both a tight timeframe and the weight-conscious mindset of BMW’s racing directors, Koons applied his radical pattern to the M3 GT2 with a vinyl wrap. Better yet, the vinyl wrap process allows Koons’ design to be applied to a number of spare parts -- important, should the M3 suffer a collision during the Le Mans event.

Before crafting his design, Koons was given the chance to witness the M3 GT2 in action for inspiration. According to the artist, he was reportedly inspired by the “raw, unfiltered performance” of the GT2, and decided to give the M3 a design that gives the impression of motion even when at a standstill.

“These race cars are like life; they are powerful and there is a lot of energy,” Koons said. “You can participate with it, add to it, and let yourself transcend with its energy. There is a lot of power under that hood and I want to let my ideas transcend with the car -- it’s really to connect with that power.”

Koons’ M3 GT2 was unveiled earlier today at Paris’ Centre Pompidou, the same venue Roy Lichtenstein used to unveil his 320i Art Car back in 1977. The car will be on public display today, before the car heads to Circuit de la Sarthe for the 24 Hours on June 12 and 13.

Source: BMW

Turbo Time: IndyCar Unveils 2012 Engine Regulations, Calls for Turbochargers

2010-06-05T10:39:00.000-07:00

Looking for some technical diversity in the Izod IndyCar series? Wait until the 2012 season. Officials announced new engine rules that not only focus on improving fuel economy, but may also allow an array of manufacturers to become involved with the series.

Presently, power in each and every IndyCar racer comes courtesy of a 3.5-liter V-8 developed and manufactured by Honda. Come 2012, cars will use engines sourced from several different companies, although they must conform to some basic specifications. At this point, the preliminary spec sheet calls for an engine that is turbocharged, capable of running on ethanol, has a maximum displacement of 2.4 liters, and no more than six cylinders.

In racing, those regulations are anything but stringent. IndyCar’s idea was to inspire companies to develop various engine designs to aim for the perfect balance of fuel economy and power. Fuel economy will be a critical factory, as IndyCar plans on ultimately regulating power output. Although no firm rules have been set, it’s believed output will be restricted between 550 and 700 horsepower, depending on the track.

“We will continue to evaluate rules that will keep a level playing field across the board with the various engines that could enter our sport,” said Brian Barnhart, president of competition and racing operations for IndyCar.

“For example, we could see a V-6 competing against an inline-four at all Izod IndyCar series events in the future. We will require reference engines as a benchmark in performance while looking at sonic air restrictors, fuel flow restrictions, and more as key criteria for competition.”

Although a chassis supplier has not yet been set for the 2012 car, this instills any interested manufacturer with a greater challenge, as they will need to design and build a chassis capable of housing any number of engine configurations.

Source: IndyCar

Ad Watch: Lexus LFA Breaks Champagne Glass Without Moving

2010-06-03T18:52:00.000-07:00

In Lexus' latest advertisement for the already sold-out LFA, the 552-horse exotic remains stationary. It's strapped to a dyno, next to a champagne flute. As it races towards redline, the 4.8-liter V-10's exhaust note, channeled through a microphone and speaker, shatters the glass.

The ad, called "Pitch," began airing this month. In part, it aims to show the efforts taken by Lexus' to make the LFA's unmistakable exhaust note. Lexus says, in a press release, "After studying the unmistakable soundtrack generated by Formula 1 cars at maximum revs, the team created the signature LFA sound beginning by emphasizing the secondary combustion frequency of the engine and then introducing primary, secondary and tertiary firing harmonics."

Lexus claims to have used no camera tricks or computer-generated imagery in the ad. Instead, the team sourced a flute that would shatter at the frequency emitted by engine at redline. Click here to watch the ad. Click here to download audio clips of the LFA (under "Digital Premium").

Source: Lexus

Chevrolet Volt Headed to China as a Buick in 2011

2010-06-03T10:25:00.000-07:00

Buick's Chinese division will be adding another member to its lineup next year: a rebadged Chevrolet Volt.

Destined to share sheetmetal with the European-market Opel Ampera, according to GM-filed Chinese patent images, going the Buick route in China is likely GM's safest bet. The tri-shield marque performs especially well in the Middle Kingdom and a Buick-badged Volt/Ampera would supplement the already-available Excelle and Regal sedans, also known as the Opel Astra and Insignia, respectively, in other parts of the world.

The currently unnamed Buick-branded Volt will be assembled at GM's Hamtramck plant, imported to China in the first half of 2011, and is then scheduled to debut in the latter half of the year.

The Buick rebadge would be the fifth for the Volt EREV, joining fellow GM brands Holden, Opel, Vauxhall, and, of course, Chevrolet. The Chevy model is expected to be ready by the end of this year while Opel is targeting late 2011. Holden and Vauxhall have been assigned a 2012 release year.

source by automobi

Return of tii? BMW Executive Confirms Hotter 1 Series

2010-06-03T10:13:00.000-07:00

BMW’s high-performance 1 Series has been spied undergoing development, but no one at the company had actually confirmed the car -- until today. Dr. Kay Segler, president of BMW’s M Division, confirmed BMW’s plans for the car and that it won’t share the M1 name of BMW’s legendary supercar.

Though the M1 name won’t be coming back, we don’t yet know exactly what this car will be called. A number of different names are possible -- 135is, given BMW’s current naming scheme, the 1 Series M, as it is being developed by the Motorsport Division, or even the early return of the tii badge. We saw the 1 Series tii Concept in 2007 and reported that the vaunted tii badge would be coming back in 2011, could this car be it?

Whatever the name may be, the car will have some serious performance credentials. Segler revealed to Autocar that it will produce around 350 horsepower and in excess of 310 pound-feet of torque. Power will come from an M-tuned version of BMW’s outgoing N54 twin-turbocharged, 3.0-liter I-6. Autocar reports that it is likely to use BMW’s seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, but we’re hoping a six-speed manual is available as well.

In order to help the more potent 1 Series put the power to the ground, BMW’s M Division is adding an electronically controlled M differential and also reworking the car’s suspension. The 1 Series’ typical suspension layout remains, MacPherson struts in front with a multi-link rear, but with stiffer springs and dampers and a different set of bushings. In addition to helping the car get better traction, the suspension changes should also improve the car’s handling.

In this time and age, even a product from BMW’s M Division couldn’t escape the political pressure to reduce consumption and emissions. BMW’s Efficient Dynamics systems are likely to appear on the car with features such as regenerative braking and possibly even a start-stop system. These features will reportedly keep the high-performance 1 Series’ fuel economy about the same as a regular 135i -- 20 mpg combined in the U.S.

BMW’s high-performance 1 Series will reportedly go on sale in Europe next year. It is likely to make its way to the States sometime next year as well. It will slot in above the 135i and below the M3 coupe with pricing likely to start somewhere in the mid- to high-$40,000 range. Stay tuned for details as the car’s launch gets closer.

Source: Autocar

2012 Mercedes-Benz SL Will Use More Carbon Fiber

2010-05-31T12:43:00.000-07:00

2012 Mercedes-Benz SL Will Use More Carbon Fiber
The SL moniker once stood for sport leicht, but at 4220 pounds, the current 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL roadster is anything but light. That said, the next-generation SL -- due in 2012 -- will be the first of several Mercedes-Benz models to use a substantial amount of lightweight carbon fiber composite materials.

Daimler AG has partnered with Toray Industries, a Japanese textile maker, to develop and produce car parts made from carbon fiber composite materials. The move mirrors BMW’s partnership with U.S.-based carbon fiber supplier SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers, which is designed in part to supply components for the 2013 Megacity electric vehicle. Toray is the world’s largest carbon fiber supplier, and has even supplied Ferrari with carbon fiber for its cars.

Together, Toray and Daimler will work on lightening some of Mercedes’ vehicles through the use of carbon fiber reinforced plastics. Although Mercedes has not disclosed what parts will be made from the material, they’re likely currently made from metal. Carbon fiber parts will therefore significantly reduce the car’s weight, but may carry a substantial cost premium.

Carbon fiber could replace a number of metallic parts, but some suggest the SL’s folding roof may be be fabricated from the material. The current steel roof is rather heavy, and also requires a large hydraulic mechanism to stow and deploy the structure. Using a carbon fiber roof could potentially allow the SL to shed some pounds and utilize a smaller folding mechanism, which could subsequently improve cargo space.

We’ve yet to see finite details on the new SL, but based upon spy photos of the car, it appears the next-gen roadster will bear resemblance to the SLS AMG. In fact, many upcoming Mercedes-Benz models will ape the SLS. According Hans-Dieter Futshik, director of Mercedes’ passenger car design, the SLS will influence the shape of the company’s sports cars, including the SL and SLK.

Source: Autocar, Kilometer Magazine

Fit for a King: Omar Bongo’s Mercedes-Benz 600 Landaulet Up for Auction

2010-05-31T11:49:00.000-07:00

Fit for a King: Omar Bongo’s Mercedes-Benz 600 Landaulet Up for Auction

There are a lot of rare automobiles going up for auction at RM’s Sports and Classics of Monaco event, but we’re betting one example -- a 1968 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Landaulet -- will be the star of the show.

Why? Rarity, for one. Between 1960 and 1982, Mercedes-Benz built nearly 2677 600s, the vast majority (roughly 2190) being short wheelbase sedans. 428 Pullmans -- the long-wheelbase, six-door limousines -- were built, but were nowhere as rare as the 59 Landaulets, which sported a convertible top over the rear seats.

For the most part, Landaulets were sold to heads of state, and this particular example is no exception. This Grosser Benz was sold new to Omar Bongo, president of Gabon from 1967 until his death in 2008. It may be good to be king, but it’s even better when you have a near-endless supply of oil revenue at your disposal, coupled with the perpetual support and approval of the French government. Gabon was well known for splurging on luxuries, including cars. He bought this 600 a year into his reign, and also purchased one of two Stutz Royale limousines ever built.

Even if this car hadn’t belonged to a dignitary, it would still be worth a considerable amount of money. Last year, RM auctioned off a 600 Landaulet at its Battersea Park auction in London. Despite the fact that the car was admittedly a basket case, it managed to fetch $523,446 -- amazing, considering a proper restoration of the 600’s complex electrical and hydraulic systems (used on everything from the door locks to power windows) was estimated to run an additional $500,000.

Sure enough, RM expects Bongo’s car to fetch between $739,000 and a cool $1.1 million at auction. In contrast, a “pedestrian” 1970 600 Pullman is also consigned to the same auction but is expected to bring somewhere between $83,000 and $107,000. Irrespective of both vehicles’ immaculate condition, their new owners should expect to shell out a considerable amount of cash to keep the tech-laden luxobarges in tip-top shape.

That may be a huge chunk of money for a 40-year old Mercedes-Benz. Then again, if you want to join one of the most exclusive clubs without the typical human rights abuses or the political infamy that often accompany a Landaulet’s owner, this may be your ticket.

Source: RM Auctions

Mercedes-Benz Electric Vito Endures Cold Weather Testing

2010-05-31T11:40:00.000-07:00

Mercedes-Benz Electric Vito Endures Cold Weather Testing
Batteries typically don't perform very well in colder climates, but Mercedes-Benz says its electric Vito van functions as well in the cold as it does in warm weather.

The EV Vito, which will ultimately be offered on the European market by the end of the year, is currently undergoing a barrage of tests to ready it for the real world. First on the list was cold weather testing. The van was whisked to Sweden, where it encountered consistent negative 22-degree Fahrenheit temperatures.

According to Daimler, the van succeeded in its trials. Surprisingly, the 81-mile range offered by the lithium-ion battery packs wasn't impeded by the colder weather. Engineers will continue to test the van in the climate, subjecting it to handling courses and extreme brake tests before moving on to other climatic testing.

The electric Vito will initially be produced in a limited quantity of just 100 units, most of which are destined for fleet duty. A second series of 2000 vans will be produced shortly after the first wave. The commercial van is powered by a 90-kW electric motor, and can reach a top speed of 50 mph. Mercedes says the EV version of its Vito experiences no decrease in payload or cargo room.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes Announces New C-Class Coupe is Coming in 2011

2010-05-31T11:31:00.000-07:00

Mercedes Announces New C-Class Coupe is Coming in 2011
The previous Mercedes-Benz C-Class "Sports Coupe,” as it was called, never exactly set the sales charts on fire, and was criticized for being a little too entry-level. But Mercedes apparently is ready to make a go of it again, announcing today that it will build a new C-Class Coupe starting sometime in 2011.

The C-Class Coupe will enter production at Mercedes’ Bremen plant in Germany on the same line as the rest of the C-Class lineup. (The 2010 C-Class sedan is pictured.) The Coupe's arrival coincides with the coming C-Class refresh expected for the 2011 model year, which will see changes to the front and rear bumpers, taillights, hood, and LED running lights. Expect to see the refreshed sheetmetal fitted to the Coupe.

While no official specifications have surfaced, the upcoming C-Class Coupe will likely port over at least some of the same engine options as its sedan brethren. In the U.S., the C-Class currently offers a 228-horsepower, 3.0-liter V-6, a 268-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6, and the high-output 451-horsepower, 6.3-liter V-8 from the superbad C63 AMG model. Powertrain revisions are also expected for 2011, but details are unclear. Also unclear is if the Coupe will come to our shores, but we'd be surprised if it didn't make it to the U.S. market.

In terms of pricing, the 2011 C-Class Coupe should not be too far off the C-Class Sedan. The 2010 C-Class starts from $34,475 for the C300 Sport Sedan, which includes a $875 destination charge.

-By Benson Kong

Source: Mercedes-Benz

New York 2010: 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon, R-Class and S63 AMG Bow

2010-05-31T11:26:00.000-07:00

New York 2010: 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon, R-Class and S63 AMG Bow
Three updated 2011 model Mercedes-Benz vehicles rolled across the stage today in New York: the E-Class Wagon, R-Class, and S63 AMG. Mercedes-Benz also released pricing for the 2010 model year E-Class line.

First to roll out was the latest E-Class Wagon, the E350. Essentially an updated E-Class with a wagon body, the E350 comes in gasoline and diesel flavors. Sharing an engine with the rest of the E-Class line, the 3.5-liter gasoline V-6 is expected to produce 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The E350 BlueTEC with its 3.0-liter turbo diesel should produce 211 horsepower. 4MATIC AWD is standard across the range.

Thanks to its large rear end, the E350 Wagon offers up to 70 cubic feet of storage space with the second and third rows folded, though the second row doesn't fold entirely flat. With all the seats up, the Wagon can hold seven passengers, although, as usual, the third row is best left to children. Mercedes hasn't released pricing on the Wagon yet, but expect it to start a bit north of the sedan's $48,600 starting price.

Though the Wagon's pricing is still under wraps, Mercedes did drop some other E-Class pricing during the reveal, at least for the 2010 model year. The E350 Coupe starts at $48,050 while the V-8-powered E550 Coupe starts at $54,650. The E350 Sedan starts at $48,600 as mentioned above while the E550 Sedan starts at $56,300 and the ultimate E63 AMG sport sedan starts at $85,800.

Joining the E-Class Wagon on stage was the new R-Class, Mercedes' controversial wagon/crossover tweener. For the 2011 model year, the R-Class gets all new body work ahead of the A-pillars to bring its styling in line with the new corporate face of Mercedes. Beyond the LED-emblazoned nose and new 17-inch wheels, the R-Class is mostly the same, offering only a new color scheme on the interior and an optional second-row bench to add one extra seat for a total of seven. The R-Class continues to use either a gasoline 3.5-liter V-6 good for 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque or a 3.0-liter BlueTEC turbo diesel good for 211 horsepower.

Also appearing on the Mercedes-Benz stand, but with no fanfare whatsoever, was the 2011 S63 AMG. Starting at $133,550, the new S63 offers a hand-built 518-horsepower 6.3-liter V-8 with 465 pound-feet, which it sends to the pavement via a seven-speed automatic transmission. 60 mph is met in just 4.5 seconds on the way to a top speed of 186 mph. In addition to the blistering performance, the AMG package also adds 20-inch five-spoke wheels, carbon-fiber and piano-black interior trim, a special steering wheel, top-tier seating, a special instrument cluster, high-performance brakes, a sport exhaust system and subtle aerodynamic trim.

Stay tuned for more of our live coverage of the 2010 New York Auto Show straight from the Big Apple show floor.

New York 2010: Mercedes SLS GT3 Race Car Debuts, Street Car to Start at $183,000

2010-05-31T11:16:00.000-07:00

New York 2010: Mercedes SLS GT3 Race Car Debuts, Street Car to Start at $183,000

Like the legendary 300SL Gullwing before it, the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is going racing. Dubbed the SLS GT3, the new race car roared onto the stage today in New York a fully FIA-compliant track car. The street-legal SLS AMG, meanwhile, will go on sale in the U.S. in May starting at $183,000 to help meet homologation requirements.

The SLS GT3 will leave showrooms ready to race with a stripped interior and modified body work. Despite the gigantic wing hanging off the trunk, the SLS GT3 is lighter than the street car and will rip to 60 mph in no more than 3.5 seconds thanks to a monster 6.3-liter V-8 expected to make over 600 horsepower. One thing we know for certain is that it sounds absolutely wicked.

Mercedes isn't talking pricing for the racecar yet, but we expect it to be well north of the production car's sticker. Deliveries will begin in the Fall of 2010, well ahead of the start of the 2011 GT3 Series race season but with enough time to sell enough production cars to meet homologation requirements. On the track, it's expected to go up against top offerings from rival automakers including the Audi R8 LMS, BMW Z4 GT3 and Aston Martin DBRS9.

Stay tuned for more of our complete coverage of the 2010 New York Auto Show, live from New York.

Mercedes-Benz Crafts GT3 Racing Car Out of SLS AMG

2010-05-31T10:59:00.000-07:00

Mercedes-Benz Crafts GT3 Racing Car Out of SLS AMG

Mercedes-Benz’s legendary 300 SLR was explicitly built for racing, not the street. So perhaps it’s fitting that its spiritual successor -- the new 2011 SLS AMG -- will also be offered in a track-ready version.

The car, likely dubbed the SLS AMG GT3, is designed to compete in the FIA’s GT3 racing class alongside competitors like the Audi R8 LMS, BMW Z4 GT3, and the Aston Martin DBRS9. Overall, the car looks largely stock, although it is treated to taller side sills and bumper fascias for aerodynamics, a gigantic rear spoiler, and sliding Plexiglas window inserts.

We’ve yet to see an official release on the racer, but expect it to be much lighter and somewhat more powerful (i.e. 600 horsepower from the 6.2-liter V-8) than the roadgoing model.

AMG says it should have cars delivered to customers before the start of the 2011 GT3 season.

Mercedes-Benz Anticipates No U.S. CAFE Penalty in 2010

2010-05-31T10:42:00.000-07:00

Mercedes-Benz Anticipates No U.S. CAFE Penalty in 2010
In previous years, Mercedes-Benz occasionally has had to pay penalties because its corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) figure fell beneath standards set by the U.S. government. That will soon change, as the automaker expects to meet the 2010 CAFE standards.

Starting this summer, all of Mercedes-Benz’s six- and eight-cylinder engines will use direct injection, which covers every car the automaker sells in the U.S. According to Dr. Thomas Weber, Mercedes-Benz’s head of research and development, this development played a large part in helping the automaker meet the U.S. standard.

“Even for 2009, we aren’t likely to pay much in the way of penalties,” Weber told Automobilwoche. “From 2010 on, we won’t pay anything. That is clearly our goal.”

Vehicles like the new S400 and ML450 Hybrids will certainly help, but Mercedes-Benz is moving towards using forced-induction engines with smaller displacement. For instance, the new twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter destined for its AMG line is reportedly 25-percent more fuel-efficient than the 6.2-liter V-8 it replaces.

We’re not surprised this is a major focus for Mercedes-Benz. In 2006, the company faced a record $30.3 million fine, and a similar $28.9 million fine in 2007. If Weber’s estimations prove correct, Mercedes-Benz has come a long way to reduce fuel consumption while offering customers the power they’ve come to expect.

Source: Automotive News

Next-Gen Mercedes-Benz B-class Could Spawn SUV, Sedan Variants for U.S. Market

2010-05-31T10:38:00.000-07:00

Next-Gen Mercedes-Benz B-class Could Spawn SUV, Sedan Variants for U.S. Market
Mercedes-Benz has previously toyed with the notion of bringing its compact B-class range to the United States, but new reports suggest at least two different models could ultimately arrive in our market.

According to Automotive News, M-B marketing chief Joachim Schmidt says the new B-class range will have no less than four variants, and two -- an SUV and hatchback -- are likely to make the trip across the pond. A sedan model is also in the works, and it too could ultimately wind up in America.

Although Mercedes-Benz plans on launching the new B-class range in Europe by the end of next year, the timing of a U.S. launch is uncertain. Schmidt cited the fluxing exchange rate as one hurdle, but also noted that -- as is often the case with small cars -- the business case rests with fuel costs in the U.S.

“The behavior of Americans depends on fuel prices,” Schmidt said, noting his group has seen U.S. consumers move backed towards light trucks. “Nevertheless, we also see a trend towards fuel-efficient cars.”

Even if Mercedes decides to withhold the B-class from our market, it may still come to North America for the Canadian market. The compact five-door hatchback has been offered in Canada since 2005.

Source: Automotive News (subscription required)

Next-Generation Mercedes-Benz SLK Spied

2010-05-31T10:32:00.000-07:00

Next-Generation Mercedes-Benz SLK Spied

We won’t see a new SLK roadster for another couple of years, but Mercedes-Benz is already diligently testing its all-new 2012 model well ahead of its debut. Surprisingly, engineers decided to leave most -- if not all -- of the heavy camouflage off the car.

Size-wise, the test car looks as if it keeps its current dimensions, but is expected to shed some weight by employing additional lightweight materials. The current SLK’s SLR-inspired nose appears to have been eschewed in favor for a look influenced by the company’s latest supercar, the SLS AMG. Rearview mirrors are mounted on the doors -- another SLS attribute. LED strips below the headlamps keep the SLK in-line with current trends.

The taillights in the rounded rump receive the LED treatment as well, while the SLK's trunk lid gets a subtle spoiler and now serves as the location for the radio/communications antenna. This particular prototype also seems to sport a larger rear glass window.

A new engine lineup with a diesel option is rumored to be in the works. Insiders say it could make its debut in Paris this September, but will most likely make its first appearance at next year's Geneva show

Audi's Stronghold in China Threatened by BMW, Mercedes-Benz

2010-05-31T10:17:00.000-07:00

Audi's Stronghold in China Threatened by BMW, Mercedes-Benz

For the last 20 years, Audi has been top dog in the Chinese luxury auto market. Now its reign could be threatened as BMW and Mercedes-Benz begin to gain traction in the emerging market.

"Mercedes and BMW have more up side than Audi in emerging markets, so it will be difficult for Audi to achieve its target," London-based automotive analyst Arndt Ellinghorst told Automotive News.

As the world's single largest automotive market, Chinese customers are increasingly important to BMW and Mercedes. As a result, both have crafted vehicles specifically aimed at the Chinese market. Tomorrow at the Beijing auto show, BMW will unveil an extended 5 Series, while Mercedes is set to debut its new longer E Class. The reasoning for extended wheelbases is that the wealthier Chinese population is typically chauffeured.

Earlier this month, Audi posted its first quarter sales figures. With a strong start to 2010, Audi was able to secure the second place spot in global luxury sales, bumping Mercedes down to third. The Ingolstadt based automaker hasn't fared so well in China lately. Over that last 6 years, Audi's market share has slipped from 66 percent down to 46 percent. BMW has climbed from 16 to 23 percent, while Mercedes more than doubled its share, from 7 to 16 percent.

Audi had 159,000 deliveries in 2009, but has a goal to sell 200,000 this year. On track for that target, it sold 51,449 in the first quarter this year. Last year BMW sold 90,500 vehicles, but is on track to surpass that mark, with 34,179 sold through March. Mercedes sold 24,100 vehicles in the first quarter of 2010, and should meet its 100,000 sales goal. BMW is investing $749 million in a new Chinese factory to double capacity to 100,000 units annually. Mercedes already has a 100,000 unit production capacity in China.

"The potential of the Chinese market remains enormous, and our targets are correspondingly ambitious," Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche said last week.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription required)

Audi and Xbox to Host Forza 3 Tournament in New York City

2010-05-31T09:57:00.000-07:00

Audi and Xbox to Host Forza 3 Tournament in New York City

Want to watch the 2010 24 Hours of Le Mans, but can't make your way to France? Perhaps the AXF 24 Challenge -- a party co-hosted by Audi and Microsoft's Xbox team -- is the second-best way to view the classic enduro.

The event celebrates the Le Mans race and serves as a venue for a digital race challenge. Audi's currently asking gamers to fire up Forza Motorsports 3, pilot a digital 2009 Audi R15 TDI race car around the Circuit de la Sarthe, and submit their best lap times. Those with three best times will be invited to the Audi Forum in New York City on June 12, where they'll compete head-to-head in a four-hour Forza-based endurance race. The winner will receive a one-day program with the R8 at Audi's Driving Experience school in Sonoma, California.

Want to watch the cyber-race in person? Audi's opened the event -- which includes a live feed of the Le Mans race, food, door prizes, and Forza 3 game kiosks-- to those over the age of 21. The festivities will be held from 1-5 p.m., and Audi suggests you preregister.

Source: Audi, Forza

Hybrid Haulers: Ford Announces C-Max Hybrids for European Market

2010-05-31T09:49:00.000-07:00

Hybrid Haulers: Ford Announces C-Max Hybrids for European Market

Ford has been producing hybrid vehicles for North America since 2004, but the company hasn't offered one in Europe. This is set to change. Ford announced today it will build both hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of its new C-Max people mover.

“Our Valencia plant here in Spain will build these new C-Max five-seat hybrid models exclusively for European customers seeking a practical, efficient, and affordable environmental vehicle, while the export to North America of the new Grand C-Max petrol model in late 2011 opens a new era of production for the team at the plant,” said John Fleming, chairman and CEO of Ford of Europe.

Ford is developing two different hybrid C-Max variants. One will function like the company's Escape Hybrid and Fusion Hybrid models, but the plug-in hybrid -- a first for Ford -- may appeal to those living in crowded urban areas.

“The extra benefit of being able to recharge your batteries at home or other parking locations means that PHEVs might better suit those customers who do the majority of their driving in the city and other urban environments where electric battery power is the preferred powertrain alternative,” Fleming said.

Source: Ford

Chrysler Sales Drop Eight Percent in January 2010

2010-05-31T09:44:00.000-07:00

Chrysler Sales Drop Eight Percent in January 2010

When it comes to sales, it's all about new product. For the time being, Chrysler doesn't have much of that, which may help to explain why sales in January 2010 slid 8 percent to 57,143 units.

Some may question the decision to split the Ram pickups from the Dodge brand, but it did help the latter to post a sales increase, something Chrysler's other three brands were unable to do. Dodge itself managed to eke out a 1-percent sales increase, while Chrysler sales fell 2 percent. Jeep sales were down 7 percent, while the Ram brand dropped 25 percent.

The Journey crossover continues to be the sales star at Dodge. 4790 examples were sold, marking a 55-percent increase over January 2009. Other notables included the Avenger sedan, up 44 percent to 3134 units, and the Grand Caravan, which jumped 34 percent to 4298. Caliber sales were up a scant 4 percent, while Challenger and Viper sales dropped 39 and 80 percent, respectively.

At Chrysler, the picture is slightly more grim. The Sebring witnessed a huge rebound, as sales jumped 85 percent to 3593 units. The Town & Country minivan continues to be the top seller, with 4531 examples (a 6-percent increase) moving off showroom floors. The remainder of the lineup, however, was sagging -- 300 sales were down 26 percent, and sales of the ancient PT Cruiser dropped 32 percent.

Jeep saw sales of its compact Compass skyrocket 52 percent to 1244 units, although the similar Patriot slid 7 percent to 1972 vehicles. The Grand Cherokee and Commander posted gains, up 6 and 22 percent, respectively. The Wrangler remains the brand's best-selling vehicle with 4888 copies sold in January, but is still off last year's number of 6362 units. The number-three seller, the Liberty, fell 11 percent to 2987 vehicles.

Slow truck sales truly hurt the Ram brand, which is comprised entirely of trucks. Sales of the new Ram pickup (especially in 1500 form) have helped bolster Chrysler as a company, but even Chrysler's best-selling vehicle saw sales slide 22 percent. Dakota sales, meanwhile, dropped 32 percent to 994 vehicles.

Source: Chrysler

Marchionne: A Chrysler-Lancia Merger Could Happen This Year

2010-05-31T09:41:00.000-07:00

Marchionne: A Chrysler-Lancia Merger Could Happen This Year

The marriage between Chrysler and Lancia may come sooner than later. An Autocar interview with Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne says the two brands could merge their lineups by the end of this year.

"In Europe, Lancia is an undersized, underdeveloped brand, with nothing bigger than the Delta. Chrysler, which has a true global reach, has nothing smaller. Put them together and you have a full lineup," Marchionne said. "We could see the two converge as early as the end of the year."

Marchionne's statements nearly confirm reports of such platform dating to last October. The first example of such a merger could be the Chrysler-branded Delta that was on hand at the Detroit auto show. While details were nonexistent -- the concept didn't even have a name -- the hatchback provided a pleasant example of how the Fiat's products could appear stateside. We've also heard that Lancia could receive a luxury vehicle underpinned by the next-generation Chrysler 300C.

Chrysler May Abandon Sebring Nameplate

2010-05-31T09:39:00.000-07:00

Chrysler May Abandon Sebring Nameplate

In an attempt to break away from its pre-bankruptcy form, Chrysler is possibly dropping the Sebring name for its revised midsize sedan, which is due late next year.

Chrysler is planning to significantly revamp its lineup in the near future, and is promising nine significantly upgraded vehicles -- Chrysler calls them "new" -- by the end of this year. The Sebring is one of those cars on the block. Apart from ditching most of the features found on the current car, CEO Sergio Marchionne suggests the new car may even ditch the Sebring nameplate.

“You’ll see a completely different animal,” said Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Fiat and Chrysler Group, speaking about the Sebring replacement scheduled to go on sale in the fourth quarter this year. “Actually, we were having a discussion about what name this animal should have. The jury’s still out.”

While details about the upgraded Sebring are rather scarce, Marchionne says the changes will be significant. The most significant changes will come in the interior, where hard plastics currently abound. The new interior should look more like the new Ram trucks’ interior, with numerous leather appointments.

Chrysler’s significantly refreshed Sebring -- or whatever it will be called -- is due in the fourth quarter this year, along with eight other significantly upgraded Chrysler products. The Sebring refresh comes just over two years before the brand new model based off a Fiat platform debuts in 2013.

Chrysler to Emerge Victoriously according to LaHood

2010-05-31T09:37:00.000-07:00

Chrysler to Emerge Victoriously according to LaHood

According to U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, Chrysler will emerge from its bankruptcy victoriously. LaHood addressed media earlier today at the 2010 Detroit auto show.

LaHood singled out the Auburn Hills-based automaker as leading the pack in its creativity and innovation. Chryslers new designs will "put them in the marketplace like they've never been before," said LaHood. Secretary LaHood also through meeting with Chrysler, that the company was "as creative and innovative" as the best of them.

Chrysler announced its 5-year plan under Fiat's control back in November. The plan offered glimpses of what the company had to offer in the coming years. So far, the Ram nameplate has been separated and marketed as its own brand. The company has also decided to drop a few of its less popular models, as it prepares for incoming Fiat products. Chrysler will be revamping some of its current lineup until Fiat products can make their way to these shores.

Having bailed out Chrysler and General Motors last year following the companies' bankruptcy, the government has a vested interest in the Detroit automakers. The Obama administration expressed its "commitment and leadership to get the industry moving again for jobs."

2010 Detroit: Let the Chrysler Badging Begin

2010-05-31T09:34:00.000-07:00

2010 Detroit: Let the Chrysler Badging Begin

We've been told to expect rebadged products from the Fiat portfolio heading to Chrysler dealerships and this looks like the first step. Those looking for a Lancia Delta hatchback in the U.S. should be jumping for joy about now.

We heard a few weeks ago that the rebranding of Lancia vehicles was a possibility, but we were still pleasantly surprised to see a new model on Chrysler's stand next to a handful of badge-only special editions. In all that domestic rebadging, though, no one seems to have come up with a new name for the Delta. For now, it's simply known as the Chrysler Lancia. From the looks of things, it's a Lancia Delta with new-age Chrysler badges and a Chrysler corporate grille, and truth be told, it doesn't look that bad.

The real question is what this car represents. It very well could be a peek into the future Chrysler lineup, one populated with Fiat models. On the other hand,

it could also be a look at Fiat's strategy to rebrand some its models worldwide as Chryslers thanks to the American brand's better name recognition in some markets. For their part, Chrysler isn't saying why it's here, but it's a good bet that they're testing the waters in Detroit for Italian rebadges.

What do you think? Should Chrysler give this idea the go-ahead and start building Chrysler Lancias for the U.S. market? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

source by automobilemag

2010-05-31T09:27:00.000-07:00

Chrysler 300, PT Cruiser, Town & Country Updated for 2010
Chrysler’s 2010 lineup may not be as extensively overhauled as Dodge’s portfolio, but the division will introduce a few new trim levels for the 2010 model year.The rear-wheel-drive 300 gains two new special edition models, both with Audi-esque names. The 300 S6 and S8 are powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 and a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 respectively, and help dress up Chrysler’s largest offering. Both cars receive new 20-inch wheels with painted pockets, darkened headlamp bezels, and blacked-out grilles with a chrome outline. Although the powertrain is left stock, Chrysler has fitted the cars with upgraded suspension parts to improve handling.
Inside, 300 S6 and S8 models receive suede seat inserts, and red accents on the steering wheel and seats. Brushed aluminum accents help dress up the aging interior, while a 13-speaker, 322-watt audio system (complete with a 100-watt subwoofer) entertain those seated within. 300 S6 and S8 cars also come equipped with Sirius satellite radio and remote start, and should arrive at dealers in the spring.For 2010, the Town & Country will once again be offered as a Walter P. Chrysler Signature Series model, and will be dressed up for the occasion. The black paint and chrome wheels carry a luxurious look, but it’s what inside that counts. Macassar Range wood trim is unique to this model, as are the two-tone leather seats. Stow ‘n’ Go, a 30-gigabyte hard drive, a dual-screen DVD entertainment system, and heated seats in the first and second rows are also standard equipment. Pricing begins at $33,365 (including $820 of destination fees), and should be on sale in the first quarter of 2010.Special edition PT Cruisers are nothing new, but the two-tone paint on the new PT Cruiser Couture Edition is rather attractive. Couture cars also receive a red pinstripe, along with polished multispoke 16-inch wheels. Seats can be trimmed in either a vibrant red hue or available gray leather. Look for the Couture Cruiser to arrive in showrooms in a few months, carrying a base price of $19,995

2011 Volvo S60 to Debut at Geneva Motor Show in March

2010-05-29T22:43:00.000-07:00

2011 Volvo S60 to Debut at Geneva Motor Show in March

It wasn’t that long ago that Volvos were essentially considered to be safety boxes on wheels. But over the last decade or so, the cars from Gothenburg have evolved into curvaceous vehicles that retain the safety of their boxy predecessors. The 2011 Volvo S60, perhaps the most elegant Volvo yet, is set to debut at the 2010 Geneva motor show this March.

With the 2011 S60, Volvo aimed for a sportier and more visually enticing design by incorporating the look of a four-door coupe. The S60’s new rakish roofline is part of the flowing styling dubbed “racetrack” design, which means that the car’s lines don’t end abruptly at any point but instead flow organically around the entire vehicle. With its sculpted front fascia, short overhangs, and flowing taillights, we have to say the S60’s design really works.

Volvo didn’t leave the sporty changes just to the S60’s styling, however, as the new S60 has a more dynamic chassis than any Volvo before it. The S60 sports stiffer springs all around and a stiffer chassis to increase grip and give the driver more control. Along with all of these upgrades in the name of sporty driving, Volvo improved the damping to provide a balance between stiffness and ride comfort.

“We spent many weeks fine-tuning the dampers out in the English countryside,” says Stefan Sällqvist, who led the S60 chassis development. “We drove on old Roman roads that have only ever received a few layers of tarmac over the centuries -- a perfect environment for finding the right damping qualities.”

Powering this sporty Volvo is the same 3.0-liter turbocharged in-line six-cylinder engine found in several vehicles in Volvo’s lineup. As of now, this is the only engine known to be coming to the U.S. Whether other engines will be available remains to be seen. In Europe, drivers will also get the choice of two diesel powerplants when the A60 is launched, with another diesel and three gasoline engines available shortly afterward. These engines are all coupled to either a six-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission. The manual transmission option may also be omitted from the American S60 lineup.

Volvo’s designers continued with the racetrack-design theme inside the car. The entire interior was designed to look as if it’s in motion. There is more legroom in the rear and the seats back there have been reshaped to offer more lateral support, but, unlike other four-door coupes, three passengers can still ride on the back bench. The S60 also adopts a new infotainment system that allows the driver access via steering wheel controls, standard controls underneath the screen, or voice recognition, when equipped. A new high-end radio from Audyssey Laboratories also equalizes the sound system automatically.

As with all Volvos, the S60 comes with a host of safety features. Volvo’s City Safety, which automatically applies the brakes to reduce the damage from or completely eliminate crashes below 18 mph, is standard. A new pedestrian detection system can apply full braking power to reduce the force of a collision with a pedestrian at speeds up to 21 mph. In addition, the new S60 is available with driver alert control, a blind spot warning system, lane departure warning, and numerous airbags.

Look for the 2011 Volvo S60 to make its world debut this March at the Geneva motor show. Volvo has not yet released any further details on pricing or an on sale date, but expect the car to make it into showrooms later this year.

Despite Facelift, 2011 Volvo C70 Pricing Still Starts At $40,800

2010-05-29T22:37:00.000-07:00

Despite Facelift, 2011 Volvo C70 Pricing Still Starts At $40,800

Although the restyled 2011 Volvo C70’s base price -- $40,800, including destination -- is practically unchanged from the 2010 model, an added $4000 of standard content may make it a better value.

For 2011, Volvo dropped the standard 6-speed manual transmission, opting instead to make the 5-speed automatic standard. 2011 C70s also receive Volvo’s premium “Sovereign Hide” leather trim and Sirius satellite radio at no charge.

Option packages largely mirror the 2010 model. A multimedia package, which adds a premium 14-speaker Dynaudio system, navigation, and Volvo’s real-time Map Care updates, runs $2600 -- just as it did in 2010. The climate package still costs $900, and includes heated front seats, headlamp washers, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

Volvo did increase the price of the Dynamic Trim package to $1000, which adds 18-inch aluminum wheels, Xenon headlights, and a sports steering wheel. A new convenience package, which also runs $1000, adds keyless ignition, Homelink, rear parking sensors, and an automatic-dimming rearview mirror with a built-in compass.

Standalone options include a new cranberry leather (no charge), blind spot detection system ($700), special Nordic Light Oak wood inlays ($150), and a wind blocker ($495). Metallic paint options run between $550 and $675, depending on the color.

Look for the new 2011 Volvo C70 to arrive at dealers stateside later this year.

source by automobilemag

Why The Toyota - Tesla Deal Works

2010-05-29T22:27:00.000-07:00

Why The Toyota - Tesla Deal Works
Toyota Motor Corp’s
$50 million investment in electric sports car maker Tesla Motors is an investment in both electric car technology and much needed public relations.

In one stroke, the company has made its boldest move to date toward putting full electric vehicles on American roads in addition to giving a new lease on life to one of America's most celebrated auto plants. The investment, quite small for cash-rich Toyota, was made by President Toyoda after the company head dined at the home of Tesla CEO Elon Musk and drove the Tesla electric roadster.

Tesla is a maker of electric sports cars, but a niche one at that. The company has sold over 1,000 $109,000 roadsters worldwide so far, with plans to build a second, lower-priced car with the idea that it can eventually reach about 20,000 sales a year. Toyota’s investment in the company, which adds up to about a 2.5% stake, is a shot in the arm for financially struggling California, as well as giving Toyota a new story-line for the public to focus on after months of bad headlines surrounding product recalls and government investigations.

As part of the deal with Toyota, Tesla has purchased the New

United Motor Manufacturing (NUMMI) factory in Fremont Ca., which Toyota recently closed, to build the lower-priced, $49,500, luxury electric car it hopes will give it sales volume and staying power. Toyota had already let go over 4500 workers who had been making Toyota Matrix cars and Tacoma pickup trucks, an unpopular move that preceded the automaker’s recall woes.
Toyota's Image Problem

Since last fall, Toyota has been embroiled in a public relations firestorm related to the recall of millions of vehicles for acceleration and braking problems. The company faced scrutiny by Federal regulators, paid a $16.4 million fine and perhaps for the first time in their history, sprouted the seeds of doubt in the minds of millions of American consumers who came to trust Toyota products more than the domestics.

If Tesla’s sales volume goals materialize, officials say the plant could eventually employ 1,000 workers, many of whom would be expected to be hired from the experienced pool of workers put out of work when the factory closed last month. That move alone is worth a good deal to Toyota in the state of California, although it's unlikely that the plant will recover all 4500 jobs in the near term.

The NUMMI plant has arguably been one of the most significant auto plants of the last 25 years because it was operated as a joint venture between General Motors and Toyota, starting in 1984. It was Toyota’s first foray into manufacturing in the U.S., at the time a controversial move for GM, which was facing up to the mounting competition from Japan. The factory, previously one of GM’s worst and most notorious factories for poor quality and labor relations, has been the subject of several case studies on the topics ranging from worker re-training to meshing U.S. and Asian cultures into one enterprise.

GM pulled out of the venture last year when it went through Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and killed off its Pontiac brand. NUMMI had also been making the Pontiac Vibe at the plant.

As workers are rehired at the plant for production, which is expected to begin in 2012, it is an open question as to whether the workers will be United Auto Workers union workers. Tesla is not bound by contracts to use union workers. The UAW workers that had been employed at NUMMI had, as part of the grand experiment of the GM-Toyota joint venture, agreed to much more flexible work rules than were found at other UAW plants.

“Our union’s hope is that this venture will give first hiring preference to former NUMMI employees who are already trained and highly skilled,” said UAW President Ron Gettelfinger. But actual talks between union representatives and Tesla will be down the road.

A Hedge Against A Bigger Market?

The move by Toyota is interesting beyond the public relations value. Toyota already has more production in the U.S. than it can use now given industry sales running at around 11.5 million a year, down from the 16 million rate just a few years ago. The company has a money losing plant in San Antonio, Texas, and a plant it stopped production on in Mississippi. By investing in Tesla, say officials with knowledge of the deal, it gives Toyota an opportunity to re-use NUMMI capacity at a later date if it needs more manufacturing capability, especially for electric and hybrid vehicles. Most analysts expect the U.S. auto industry to rebound back to 15 million vehicles a year by 2015 or sooner, so having production at NUMMI to go back to as a Tesla partner could be advantageous.

“This is a very inexpensive move for Toyota that seems to have the potential to pay off in many ways down the road—politically, image wise and even from the standpoint of leaving options for future production open,” says Dennis Keene, a Los Angeles-based independent marketing consultant.

Tesla is receiving $465 million in loans from the U.S. government for investment in the new model and the plant. Additionally, Tesla is gearing up for an initial public offering (IPO) of stock to the public to raise capital, and the Toyota investment and co-venture will help the IPO. “This move by Toyota is probably worth a lot more than $50 million to Tesla in terms of the company’ credibility as it tries to sell its stock offering,” says auto industry analyst Stephanie Brinley of AutoPacific Group.

Will Toyota's Electric Strategy Change?

The move is curious, however, because Tesla’s recipe for achieving electric power has traditionally been via lithium-ion batteries, a technology that is similar to what is used for cell-phones and laptop computers. Toyota has not been a big proponent of this technology as a solution for electric vehicles.

Toyota Motor President Akio Toyoda said Toyota is still curious about pursuing lithium-ion technology, and views Tesla as an ideal partner to sort out how effective the technology will be from the standpoint of cost and performance.

"I spent time at NUMMI and learned much about working in America there, so I feel a sense of attachment (to the plant)," Toyoda said. He also said in a statement that through the venture, Toyota hopes to learn from Tesla's "challenging spirit, quick decision-making and flexibility."

Toyota is not the only big-name investor in Tesla. German automaker Daimler--parent company of Mercedes-Benz, smart and Maybach—last year took a 10% stake in Tesla. The purpose of the investment was to

2010 Acura RL Overview

2010-05-26T15:08:00.000-07:00

2010 Acura RL Overview

Introduction

As the flagship for the Acura Division, the Acura RL is one of the most sophisticated touring sedans on the road, blending smooth power and responsive handling with cutting-edge technologies and luxurious appointments.
The RL is powered by a 300-hp 3.7-liter V6 engine, paired to a five-speed automatic transmission with SportShift manual mode and paddle shifters. Acura's exclusive Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system enhances grip, stability and all-weather control, while an electric power assist steering system provides direct feedback. Every RL is outfitted with 18-inch alloy wheels, Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights and a power moonroof; interior comforts include heated front seats, leather upholstery, automatic climate control,
satellite radio, HandsFreeLink (Bluetooth) wireless connectivity, Bluetooth wireless audio streaming and a USB port. The available Technology package adds heated/ventilated front seats, an Active Front Lighting System (AFS), and a voice-activated navigation system with integrated rearview camera parking assist and real-time traffic and weather information. Additional available high-tech equipment includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and a Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS). Standard safety features include four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with traction control, front side-impact airbags, overhead curtain airbags, active front head restraints and a tire pressure monitoring system.
Following an extensive redesign last year, the Acura RL carries over unchanged for 2010.

NHTSA Frontal Crash Test

NHTSA rates crash-tested vehicles by assigning them one to five stars, with five stars indicating the most injury protection and one star indicating the least protection.

source by autos.aol

2010 Acura TL Overview

2010-05-26T14:55:00.000-07:00

2010 Acura TL Overview

Introduction

The fourth generation Acura TL is a dynamic mid-sized sedan with a winning combination of performance and luxury, offered in a choice of either front-wheel or all-wheel drive configurations.
The front-wheel drive TL is outfitted with a 280-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine, while the all-wheel drive TL SH-AWD features a more powerful 305-hp 3.7-liter V6. Both engines are paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, featuring Sequential SportShift manual mode and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Acura's exclusive Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system enhances grip, stability and all-weather control, while an electric power assist steering system on both models provides direct feedback. Every TL is equipped with a power moonroof, Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, heated front seats, leather upholstery, automatic climate control, satellite radio and HandsFreeLink
(Bluetooth) wireless connectivity. The TL SH-AWD is further distinguished by exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels, bumper-integrated front brake cooling ducts and quad tailpipes. A Technology Package is available on both models, including a navigation system with voice activation, keyless access, upgraded audio, premium leather and a rear decklid spoiler with integrated rearview camera.
After an extensive redesign last year, the Acura TL carries over unchanged for 2010.

NHTSA Frontal Crash Test

NHTSA rates crash-tested vehicles by assigning them one to five stars, with five stars indicating the most injury protection and one star indicating the least protection.

soure by autos.aol

2010 Acura TSX Overview

2010-05-26T14:42:00.000-07:00

2010 Acura TSX Overview

Introduction

The Acura TSX is a sporty sedan that offers a satisfying blend of performance, style and efficiency. Redesigned in 2009, the TSX boasts a muscular appearance, great handling and an electric power steering system, complemented by enhanced comfort, convenience and safety features. New for 2010, the TSX is available with a V6 engine.
The front-wheel drive TSX is powered by a 201-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and six-speed manual transmission, or a 280-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine and five-speed automatic. The auto transmission includes SportShift and steering wheel paddles and is available with the 4-cylinder engine. The TSX is well-equipped, with a power moonroof, Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, heated front seats, leather upholstery, automatic climate control, satellite radio and HandsFreeLink (Bluetooth) wireless connectivity. The 2.4-liter model includes 17-inch alloy wheels and the 3.5-liter model includes 18-inch alloy wheels and exclusive suspension tuning. An optional Technology Package includes a navigation system with voice activation, integrated rearview camera parking assist and
upgraded audio and climate control systems. Standard safety-enhancing features include four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with traction control, front side-impact airbags, overhead curtain airbags and new active anti-whiplash front head restraints.
The Acura TSX is a carryover for 2010 and debuts a new 3.5-liter V6.

NHTSA Frontal Crash Test

NHTSA rates crash-tested vehicles by assigning them one to five stars, with five stars indicating the most injury protection and one star indicating the least protection.

source by autos_aol

2010 Acura ZDX Overview

2010-05-26T14:30:00.000-07:00

2010 Acura ZDX Overview

Introduction

The Acura ZDX is the brand's all-new four-door sports coupe, combining dramatic coupe-like styling with the functionality of a sedan and the versatility of a sport utility vehicle. Along with a bold road presence and cutting edge technologies, it offers a luxurious interior, with hand-stitched leather on the dash, center console and door panels.
The 5-passenger ZDX is powered by a 300-hp 3.7-liter V6 engine, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift manual mode and paddle shifters; Acura's exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system enhances all-weather control. A panoramic glass roof, power tailgate, 19-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, satellite radio and HandsFreeLink (Bluetooth) wireless connectivity are found on every ZDX. The available Technology package adds keyless access, a voice-activated navigation system and upgraded audio, with 15 gigabytes of dedicated hard drive media storage and a USB port. The Advance package includes the
Technology package content, as well as ventilated front seats and an active damper system with driver-selectable Sport and Comfort suspension modes. Standard safety-enhancing features include anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with traction control, Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, six airbags, active front head restraints and rearview camera parking assist. The Technology package adds a multi-view rear camera, while the Advance package also includes a blind spot information system, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and a Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS).
The Acura ZDX is all-new for 2010.