Archive for April, 2008
Friday, April 25th, 2008
Filed under: Spy Photos, Wagons/Estates, Cadillac
Click above for high-res gallery of Cadillac CTS Wagon spy shotsCodenamed internally as the GMX 206, the Cadillac CTS Wagon has clearly gone beyond the consideration phase within GM's hallowed halls and is actively being developed. This prototype was just caught by spy photographers and the profile is unmistakable evidence that the CTS will soon get some extra cargo space. Cadillac's plan to expand the CTS into a full-fledged lineup that can compete with the likes of the the BMW 3-Series and Audi A4 hinges on producing more variants than just the sedan. The
CTS Coupe Concept was introduced at the
Detroit Auto Show in January, so it's no surprise that we're seeing the wagon in development now and we would expect a convertible version of the coupe eventually, as well. Sources say that Cadillac will build around 10,000 - 12,000 units of the CTS wagon at the same Lansing Grand River Assembly Plant as the sedan and coupe, with most of those being earmarked for sale in Europe. And we have to say that the
Family Truckster has never looked so sharp.
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[Source: Chris Doane for Brenda Priddy & Co.]
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Friday, April 25th, 2008
Filed under: Coupes, Green, Supercars, Mercedes Benz, AMG
As we've heard before, the next generation of AMG-massaged Mercs will have to balance high output with low emissions. That means more turbos, less displacement and (gasp) hybrids.
The big and bad 6.2-liter V8 won't be around much longer. Instead, AMG is turning its focus towards a new, twin-turbo 5.0-liter V8 that will produce 570 hp and 665 lb.-ft. of torque, with output possibly reaching 700 hp and 885 lb.-ft. to replace the outgoing 612-hp V12 mill.
Forced induction is only part of the equation, as AMG is looking to a new hybrid-equipped V8, dubbed BluePower, that will either come with the X-Trac Flybrid system or a 100-hp electric motor integrated into the transmission. There's also talk that AMG will be releasing its own plug-in hybrid by 2012 and that diesels will continue to become an important part of the brand.
The other issue with which AMG has to contend is Mercedes' own turbocharged offerings. Future M-Bs will be sporting turbo'd V8s displacing 4.0-, 4.6- and 5.5-liters, with outputs ranging from 355 to 544 hp.
And what of the upcoming AMG supercar?
Car says that the gullwing super coupe, codenamed C197, will debut in March of 2010 and be powered by the same 6.2-liter V8 (likely the last application of that engine) while sending all that energy through an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
[Source:
Car]
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Friday, April 25th, 2008
Filed under: Motorsports, Sports/GTs, Euro, Audi, Driving, UK
Click above for high-res gallery of the Audi TT-S
The Isle of Man credits itself as hosting the world's oldest races, the Tourist Trophy (TT). The 32-mile long island, located in the Irish Sea (it's the body of water between the United Kingdom and Ireland), held the first motorcycle and car races back in 1905. Now, for the first time in more than a century, a car sharing the same name as the event has been named the "Official Car" of the event. You guessed it, event organizers have chosen the Audi TT as the "Official Car." It's not just any TT that gets the honor -- it's the hot new 265-hp Audi TT-S. Audi will be supplying eight cars for the event at the end of May. Driven by race officials (yes, at non-race speeds), they will help with the course inspection and other logistics during the week-long event. Oh, we should add, it is a motorcycle race. Doh!
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[Source: Audi]
PRESS RELEASE
NEW AUDI TT ON COURSE FOR SPIRITUAL ISLE OF MAN HOMECOMING
Latest Audi TTS is Official Car for 2008 Tourist Trophy (TT) Motorcycle Races
For the first time in more than 100 years, a car sharing the same name as the world's oldest car races - the TT - will become the official car at the famous Tourist Trophy motorcycle races next month on the Isle of Man.
The latest and most powerful model in the iconic Audi TT range - the new 272PS TTS - will make a fittingly dynamic debut in Britain. The most powerful ever production Audi TT coupe to date has been chosen by the TT organisers as the prestigious "Official Car" at this year's world-famous event which runs from 24 May-6 June.
Audi paid homage to the legendary Tourist Trophy motorsport event of the same name in naming its "TT" sportscar. It is an event in which machines from one of its founding companies competed with considerable success in the spectacular Tourist Trophy race which was first staged on the Isle of Man in 1905.
Peter Duffy, Audi UK's Head of Marketing, commented: "Having been supporters of the British Super Bike championship in recent years, we're now delighted to be associated with the Isle of Man TT races and to be able to play an active part in this world famous event.
"The Isle of Man held the very first Tourist Trophy event in Britain and became an integral part of Audi's heritage in its days with NSU. We look forward to writing the next chapter in our company's history with the public showing of the new Audi TTS on the island."
For two weeks of every year the eyes of the world focus on the Isle of Man as the finest motorcycle road racers spectacularly pit their skills against the 37¾ miles of public roads. Audi UK is supplying eight cars from its impressive product range to manage the running of the event including vital course inspection and roads opening duties.
Adrian Earnshaw, Minister for Tourism and Leisure, Isle of Man Government, commented: "It is a great opportunity to have Audi as our Official Car Partner especially considering the Audi TT sportscar is named after the TT motorsport event dating back over 100 years".
The Audi TT was first shown as a concept car at the 1995 Frankfurt Motor Show and was immediately lauded for its ultra-modern, yet seemingly timeless, interpretation of classic sports car design. It was created in homage to the legendary motorsport event of the same name, in which riders from NSU, one of the four companies which joined forces to form Audi, began campaigning in 1911.
Audi has a rich motorsport heritage and the brand continues to enjoy great success in the disciplines in which it competes to this day. Apart from its early activities involving NSU and the Auto Union Grand Prix cars, Audi has been involved more recently in world rallying - changing the face of the sport with its quattro four-wheel-drive - and in the Le Mans 24 Hour race, which it has already conquered twice with its history-making diesel-powered sports-prototypes.
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Friday, April 25th, 2008
Filed under: LA Auto Show, Sedans/Saloons, Paris Motor Show, Audi
After a
report yesterday that the next S4 would be benefiting from a supercharger, Volkswagen AG's powertrain head, Wolfgan Hatz, presented the automaker's new 3.0-liter TFSI engine at the Vienna Motor Symposium. According to Auto Motor und Sport, the new engine will be fitted with a blower and putting out around 350 hp when fitted to the next generation S4. The supercharged six is expected to return better fuel mileage than its V8 counterpart and will also be fitted to the refreshed A6, due out towards the end of this year, although output will be reduced to 290 hp and 310 lb.-ft. of torque. Additionally, both models will benefit from a Magna-sourced sports differential that will migrate to the Q5 and S5 down the line. No timeframe was provided about the release of the S4, but we'd expect to see the A6 replacement in Paris, with the S4 debuting at the LA Auto Show in November.
[Source:
Auto Motor und Sport via
MotiveMag]
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Friday, April 25th, 2008
Filed under: Motorsports, Chevrolet, Toyota
Recent spots for Armor All that feature NASCAR's perpetually unshaven Tony Stewart almost make one forget what emblem is now placed on the front of his race car. The television commercials show Stewart staring longingly at a shiny Chevrolet Corvette, despite the fact that he now rolls around the track in a bestickered-to-look-like-a Toyota Camry. Even though Stewart's contract with Joe Gibbs racing extends through 2009; rumor has it that he has been in talks with Haas CNC Racing to put him back behind the bowtie logo by next year. The team gets its Chevy engines and race support through Hendrick Motorsports. There is also an indication that Stewart is interested in a 50-percent stake in the Haas CNC team.
A more controlling team role seems like one that would better suit a vocal driver like Tony Stewart, as he would only have himself to yell at after one of his media outbursts. Plus, any problems with team management would be between he and himself. The situation's likelihood is still a bit far fetched at this point though, as Joe Gibbs Racing seems unwavering in releasing Tony Stewart from his contract early.
[Source: Star Tribune, Photo by Rusty Jarrett/Getty]
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Friday, April 25th, 2008
Filed under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Porsche
Following word that Porsche will
incorporate direct injection and the 7-speed Doppelkupplung gearbox into the 997 refresh, we've come across an official document that details what we can expect when the latest iteration of the 911 arrives. We're not posting the document itself, but by now a quick Google search will reveal it to you if you're that interested.
The changes coming apply to the 2009 Carrera, Carrera S and their C4 and Targa variants. Look for the 3.6L base engine to get a 20-horse bump to 345 ponies, while Carrera/Targa S models see the 3.8L mill's output jump to a very healthy 385 horsepower. Both engines also get a commensurate increase in torque. The good news is that despite the added muscle, both the 3.6 and 3.8 are expected to consume less fuel and have cleaner emissions numbers.
As we've seen in numerous
spy photos, new front and rear bumpers update the fascias. Lighting updates are also on the way, with standard bi-xenon headlights on the base car, plus LED daytime running lamps and LED taillamps across the board. New wheels will hide upgraded brakes, and word is that the Carrera 4 models will get additional cues that visually set them apart from the 2-wheel-drive cars. Inside, a new steering wheel tags along with the Doppelkupplung, and drivers can expect a freshened instrument panel boasting simplified controls and a host of improvements to the multimedia and nav system offerings. All the changes will be officially revealed/confirmed in June. As for when we can expect the skinny on any updates to the Turbo, GT2 and GT3, your guess is as good as ours.
Thanks for the tip, Matthew!
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Friday, April 25th, 2008
Filed under: Supercars, Chevrolet
General Motors, Chevrolet and the Corvette team are clearly proud of the
power ratings they just announced for the Corvette ZR1. With its LS9 V8 producing 638 horsepower and 604 pound-feet of torque, you would expect the most powerful Corvette ever to be the fastest as well. And you'd be right. On its GMNext website, GM has revealed that its taken the ZR1 all the way up to 205 mph at its test track in Papenburg, Germany. And they had a video camera on board to capture the moment. The sense of speed is incredible, and even we got excited when the ZR1 climbed the banked oval and made other vehicles track testing that day look like stationary objects. Keep your eye on the digital speedometer in the bottom center of the video and watch as the ZR1 is still pulling strongly above 180 mph.
We remember a time when the Ferrari F40 and Lamborghini Diablo were battling for the title of World's Fastest Production Car, and the Diablo narrowly beat out the F40 by claiming a top speed of 204 mph. Now we have a Chevy that can go 205 mph. What a wonderful world.
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[Source:
GMNext]
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Friday, April 25th, 2008
Filed under: Sports/GTs, Plants/Manufacturing, UK
AC Cars, creators of the original Cobra on which Carroll Shelby built his legendary roadster, is planning two important moves. The sportscar-maker, owned by Acedes Holdings LLC, is currently based in Malta. However, legal troubles in the country have prompted the company to return to its original headquarters at the famous Brooklands facility in England. A second factory in Michigan where AC will build its classic sportscars for U.S. consumption is also in the works.
AC continues to manufacture the original Ace, Mk11, Mk11 FIA and Mk111, and is anticipated to build just ten units per year at an average price of £150,000 a pop. No word, however, on the new roadster, the rights to which Project Kimber acquired to resurrect AC after Smart cancelled the vehicle.
[Source: 4car]
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Friday, April 25th, 2008
Filed under: Euro, Videos
Click above to view the video
Some things require translation - that's why online translators are our best friends in reporting the latest news from Europe - but others transcend language barriers. A good number of both come out of Holland, where the preferred mode of transportation comes with two wheels, a pair of pedals and a set of handlebars. That makes sense when you consider the wide array of impediments to driving in Amsterdam, like narrow cobblestone streets and readily available hallucinogens. Now the same people who brought us wooden shoes and international law have given us Trap Gear.
The spoof of the famous BBC program pits two beat-up old bicycles - a Fongers Majestic and a Batavus Boulevard - against each other on the streets of The Hague. It's worth a watch, even if you aren't Dutch - isn't that weird? Follow the jump to take a trip.
[Source: YouTube via AutoJunk.nl]
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Friday, April 25th, 2008
Filed under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Government/Legal, Green
Click above for high-res gallery of the Fisker KarmaFisker Automotive may be knee-deep in a
legal battle with electric car pioneer Tesla Motors, but the fledgling automaker is still committed to producing its stunning Karma plug-in electric vehicle by Q4 2009. Henrik Fisker and crew have received so much negative press regarding the pending lawsuit that it issued a press release to ensure prospective buyers that that the Karma was on its way, but also to explain where its PHEV technology originates.
Fisker calls the lawsuit "nonsense," and points out that his design company, Fisker Coachbuild, has non-exlusive design contracts with many automakers. The press release, which is available after the jump, shows that Fisker is getting its PHEV tech from a company called Quantum Technologies, which has also created electric vehicles for the U.S. Armed Forces. The release doesn't specifically address Tesla's contention that Fisker stole electric vehicle design secrets, but then again it's probably not a good idea to discuss pending litigation in any real detail.
It seems as though Tesla Motors is just a little peeved that the Karma's design is superior to the one Fisker Coachbuild designed for its upcoming WhiteStar sedan, which we're hoping to see soon so we can know what all the fuss is about.
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[Source: Fisker Automotive]
PRESS RELEASEFisker Automotive on Track for 2009 Fourth Quarter Delivery Despite Recent AllegationsIRVINE, Calif., April 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Fisker Automotive, Inc. announced that the company is on track for delivery of the Fisker Karma in Q4 2009, and that it will vigorously defend the recent allegations put forth by Tesla. Tesla Motors breached the arbitration agreement in its contract with Fisker by filing these meritless claims in San Mateo County court."The lawsuit is nonsense," said Henrik Fisker, CEO, Fisker Automotive. "Fisker Coachbuild has non-exclusive design contracts as shown by the cars we have designed for a variety of manufacturers."Fisker Automotive launched the highly anticipated Fisker Karma, a plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) premium vehicle at the 2008 North American International Auto Show. The revolutionary technology incorporated into the powertrain was developed by Quantum Technologies, a public company, which first proved its capability with the launch of a U.S. military vehicle created for U.S. Army Special Operations in 2003."In January of 2007 I first met Henrik Fisker. Soon thereafter, I became convinced that a strategic alliance joining together Quantum's (PHEV) unique technology position with Fisker's design expertise could be leveraged into a company capable of launching the first premium sports sedan for the (PHEV) segment," expressed Alan Niedzwiecki, CEO, Quantum Technologies. "In August 2007 that vision became a reality with the inception of Fisker Automotive Inc., effectively combining Quantum's (PHEV) drivetrain expertise with a remarkable design from Fisker Coachbuild LLC.""We are confident that Fisker Automotive continues to be a tremendous investment opportunity," said Ray Lane, Kleiner Perkins. "The design innovation of Henrik Fisker combined with the hybrid drive train experience of Quantum is unique in the automotive market."The Fisker name for more than a decade has attracted and attained worldwide recognition. Henrik Fisker has more than 19 years of experience in the automotive and product design arena. Some of his pioneering includes work on the BMW E-1 electric car in 1991, the BMW Z8 and the Aston Martin V8 Vantage. Most recently Fisker Coachbuild created the Fisker Tramonto and Fisker Latigo CS in 2005."Fisker Coachbuild is proud of its premier reputation for design work and we look forward to continuing to build on that reputation," said Henrik Fisker.
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