Here at Autoblog, we cherish the simple things in life. Like a cold beer on a hot afternoon, spending the holidays with family or stuffing an oversized engine into a little sportscar. It's a time-honored tradition, and this example is no less worthy than any that has come before.
Evidently unsatisfied with the S54B32 inline-six powering the top-of-the-line BMW Z4 M, one European enthusiast dropped in the 5.0-liter V10 from the BMW M5 and M6 into his little BMW Z4. But even the stock 507 horses from the high-revving ten wasn't enough for this Bimmerphile, so he went with Hartge's 550-hp version, complemented by the tuner's own 20-inch rims, but, worryingly, no sign of upgraded brakes to go with the 200+ extra horsepower. The converted roadster cost €170k new, but is now on the market for under €98k (tax in), or about $138,000 in American greenbacks. A hefty sum for sure, but can you really put a price on 0-60 in under 4?
Give this 550-hp V10 Hartge BMW Z4 a home
Geiger Hummer H3 V8 Kompressor
Hummer's troubled present and uncertain future are no impediment to tuners hell-bent on creating the most insane vehicles possible, and this blown V8 Hummer H3 is a prime example. Today the Germans at Geiger Cars, already known for some outlandish Hummer creations, have unleashed the H3 V8 Kompressor on an unsuspecting world.
The 'baby Hummer' is just a shade under 4,700lbs (2,131kg) in stock form, its 3.7L five-cylinder delivering yawn-inspiring performance with just 239hp (178kW) and 241lb-ft (327Nm) of torque on tap, though it ekes out a 14/18mpg city/highway rating. Even the stock 5.3L V8 makes just 300hp (224kW) and 320lb-ft (434Nm) of torque despite its displacement, and though it's certainly more up to the task of promptly getting the H3 to speed, it takes a hit in the efficiency department, dropping to 13/16mpg city/highway thanks in part to its 5,069lb (2,299kg) weight.
Mercedes E Class Coupe Caught Almost Undisguised
Caught by WCF reader "Nikolaus", these are the best shots yet of the new 2010 Mercedes E Class Coupe with nearly all its camouflage removed.
A rear diffuser and what seems to be a taped up AMG logo on the boot lid suggest this prototype could be the E63 AMG Coupe. But Mercedes' models from the AMG division all feature a quad exhaust layout whereas this prototype has the rectanglular twin exhausts mimicking the style seen on the recent leaked official photos of the regular E Class Sedan. The front end sports a grille featuring two horizontal bars, a style which differentiates this variant from the sedan and estate variants of the new E-Class line-up.
Honda cancels development of V10-powered NSX successor
Amid the announcement of its third profit warning of the year, Honda has confirmed that it has canceled plans for the launch of a successor to the NSX supercar. The new V10-powered model was expected to arrive in the United States next year as an Acura, but sadly all development work on the car has come to an end.
Honda CEO Takeo Fukui confirmed the plan in his end of year speech, saying that all development of the car would cease. Fukui also revealed that plans to introduce the Acura brand to Japan in 2010 have all been canned, reports Automotive News.
Aston Martin Vantage get power upgrade
So you bought an Aston Martin V8 Vantage with a 4.3 litre engine, not knowing the company would soon offer a stronger 4.7 litre engine down the line. And now you're feeling a bit inadequate. Well, good news for you.
Owners of a 4.3 Vantage are getting a new performance option. AM is making available a 20 horsepower upgrade to the engine in the form of a retro-fit induction system based on a similar unit in the DBS.
This system has two switching airbox-valves which open up at 5,500rpm to give an increase in air intake to the engine. To keep combustion under control, the engine ECU has been reprogrammed to improve ignition timing. These changes let the car better utilize high octane fuel, getting better overall performance.
Report: Mercedes Benz considering A-Class roadster for production
The 2009 Mercedes Benz A-Class was revealed earlier this year, and though it received a number of updates, the car is due for a complete redesign sometime in 2011. The next-generation Mercedes Benz A-Class range is expected to feature a number of body styles, but the latest word indicates a roadster could be joining the group as well.
Previous speculation on the next-gen A-Class family had only included mini-SUV, sports-hatch and four-door coupe models. Now a possible roadster, perhaps styled after the SLA Concept, is also thought to be in the works, reports AutoWeek. The car hasn't yet been confirmed, and even if it does make it to production, the car might not make it to North America. Weak sales and small margins could prohibit the car from finding a successful niche given its likely premium placement and pricing.
2011 BMW 5 Series Details Emerge
While BMW's next 5 Series won't appear until early next decade, technical details are leaking out. Codenamed F10, the 2011 5 Series will feature engines based on the new turbo range. (Note: The present-generation car is pictured). There's a 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six in the 540i, a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 in the 550i, and a twin-turbo clean diesel. Even the M5 will switch from the ultra-high-revving V-10 to a turbo V-8, we hear. Hybrids will likely be available as both full dual-mode and mild types, depending on how they're received in the upcoming BMW X6 and 7 Series hybrids.
LA Auto Show 2008: Braille Battery Nissan Altima Hybrid time attack hot rod
On display at this year's LA Auto Show is a Nissan Altima Hybrid racecar aimed at pleasing the eco-radicals of California, and the folks over at Autoblog Green. The car was first released at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, but the LA crowd is really more up its alley. This Altima is a direct result of the team at Braille Battery pairing up with Nissan North America and Universal Technical Institute. The "Hot Rod Hybrid," as it's called, is a construction aimed at competing in the new hybrid/electric class of the Redline Time Attack series. There are also plans to give it a run in the 2009 Cannonball Run/One Lap of America event. We know the car will be in good hands, too. Driver Blake Fuller is experienced with both front- and rear-wheel-drive vehicles, as exemplified by his finishes in the Pike's Peak hill climb and Formula D drifting events.
BMW insider reveals details about ‘green’ supercar based on M1 Homage
Despite BMW not having built a true supercar for 30 years since its original M1 model, a "high ranking insider" at the firm insists management is trying to reinvent its performance image with a new 'green' supercar based on the wild M1 Homage concept revealed earlier this year.
BMW is reportedly studying the viability of the project, with the ultimate goal to create a two-seater sports car that showcases all of firm’s most sophisticated environmental technology, with a view to releasing it for a limited production run at the end of 2012.
Porsche Cayenne GTS Accessories From JE Design
JE Design is known mostly as a VW and SEAT tuner. But here they give the Porsche Cayenne a go and this is the lux-tuner level achieved with this makeover.
The tuning package is wheels, optics and suspension with no engine work in the mix. But the package does lend to superior performance with the front and rear skirts providing a better aerodynamic flow and the lowered suspension a more nimble handling.
Karl Abarth tribute: Fiat 500 Abarth "DA O A 100"
Another day, another Fiat 500 variant that we Americans can drool over knowing we can't get it here in the States. This one is special, though, as it was designed to commemorate Karl Abarth's 100th (born on November 15, 1908) birthday. Not just a styling exercise, the Fiat 500 Abarth "DA O A 100" tribute comes with an upgraded 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Acceleration to sixty takes just 7.3 seconds, helped along by shortened gear ratios while its top speed is now 131 miles per hour. Suspension bits are revised as well, with lowered springs and new 17-inch alloys fitted with low-profile Pirelli PZero Neros.
First Drive: 2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid
It's probably best to call the new Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid a mild, rather than full, hybrid, because it can't propel itself on electrical power alone. In other words, the BlueHybrid is not powered by the two-mode system co-developed with GM for big SUVs, which will be an option for the M-Class next year. This is a smaller, cheaper system designed to be scaleable across all Mercedes car lines.
Despite its comparative simplicity, the S400 BlueHybrid's gasoline and CO2 savings are significant: some 21% in the European test cycle, compared with the regular V-6 S350. It's also quieter at rest and more muscular in real-world acceleration. There's very little penalty over the standard V-6 in terms of weight -- just 170 lb -- and none at all in passenger or luggage accommodation or payload.
Lexus confirms 2010 RX SUV, IS Convertible and updated LS for L.A. Auto Show
The Los Angeles Auto Show will play host to the world premiere of the 2010 Lexus RX SUV, with the Japanese luxury brand confirming today that both the new RX 450h hybrid and RX 350 will be on show at next week’s event. You can check out previously leaked images of the 2010 Lexus RX SUVs here, which reveal a longer, wider, and taller model than the current version.
Recently revealed at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, the 2010 IS Convertible will also be making its North American debut in L.A. The IS 250C and IS 350C convertibles feature a lightweight aluminum three-panel roof, which means that they should be heavier and less rigid than their sedan counterparts. The IS 250C will come with a 2.5L 204hp (152kW) V6 engine mated to a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, while the IS 350C gets a 3.5L, 306hp (228kW) V6 with a six-speed automatic.
Legendary Brabham Racing Returns as BMW Tuner after 16 Years
Brabham Racing marks its return with an appearance at the Essen Motor Show and introduces the BT 70, BT 60 and the BT 92. That last number being a reference to the year Brabham went bust, something to do with not paying their bills. Probably an unintended reference.
But let's have a look at the cars.
The BT 70 is what Brabham Racing calls a "sporty interpretation of the SUV X6".
The BT 60 is a re-invented BMW M5.
Peugeot 107 Facelift Revealed
Just like its Citroën C1 twin, Peugeot's 107 has gone under the knife for the 2009 model year in order to keep it fresh and improve the model's fuel efficiency.
The facelifted version features a new front-end and a redesign of the lower front panel which aims to give the car a more substantial and robust look. The front panel also features side vents with a grille and a two-part insert which can be replaced if the optional fog lights are ordered. In front a large chrome strip runs across the new bumper while new 14" seven spoke wheels keep the car's profile fresh. Two new colors are also being offered, Mandaline Orange and Electra Blue.
First Official 2009 Nissan 370Z Photos
The last teaser shots have dropped, and Nissan has finally revealed the 2009 370Z in full, roadgoing trim. We’ve got interior and exterior factory shots, and it’s clear that for its first full redesign since its 2003 introduction, the 370Z is going a bit retro. Just as in the images that were leaked this spring, the new car strikes a handsome balance between the classic long-hood, short-deck look of the original 240Z, while maintaining the taut lines and intricate lighting of current Nissans. The new Z’s interior keeps a similar layout but gets a stronger, more modern look with taller central gauges and a large central information screen similar to those in other Nissan/Infiniti products.
Arrival: 2009 Jaguar XF Supercharged
S-type? What's an S-Type? Jaguar's luscious new XF four-door obliterates all memories of its Lincoln-based, J-gated predecessor. The XF, like the illustrious E-Type, is a real Jag. In last July's Motor Trend, the top-model, 420-horse XF Supercharged also dusted off rivals from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Lexus, handily winning our "Private Reserve Cabs" sport-lux comparo and inspiring every test driver to mutter, "We gotta get ourselves one of these."
So we did. A Liquid Silver XF Supercharged (with interior resplendent in "Spice/Char" soft-grain leather) has joined our long-term fleet. In barely a month, it's racked up more than 3400 miles.
Hamann Volcano Based on Mercedes Mclaren SLR Officially Detailed
How much torque does a volcanic eruption have? Well, it does indeed take a lot of steam to melt rocks and push the lava straight up through the earth's crust and Hamann-Motorsport does a good job of rivaling that with their own Volcano.
The Hamann Volcano is a supersized version of what is already one of the world's most renowned supercars - the Mercedes McClaren SLR. Hamann technicians were able to boost the Mercedes Benz 5.4 liter, 626 hp, 780 Nm V8 and take its performance to 700 hp and 830 Nm of torque at 3,300 rpms; giving the Hamann a 0-100 km/h time of only 3.6 seconds.
Revealed: 2009 Nissan 370Z Coupe
Earlier this month, Nissan provided us special access to a camouflaged prototype of its next-generation Z sports car. Now come three photos and official confirmation that this Z will indeed be the 370Z -- or officially speaking, the 2009 Nissan 370Z Coupe
What does this mean? Well, for starters, that the rumor mill was 99.99% correct. If you go off name alone, the next-generation Z will be powered by a 3.7L V-6 engine -- no doubt the same one that is in the 2009 Infiniti G37 sedan and coupe. Output should be the about the same as those vehicles as well -- somewhere in the neighborhood of 330 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. Now we don't know all of this for sure, as no details were provided with the images, only this statement:
Suzuki Kizashi Latest Spy Photos in Germany
These most recent spy shots of the upcoming Suzuki Kizashi are some of the best seen so far. They provide a pretty good view of the car and you can get an idea of what its final design will be as it gets closer to production. The accompanying photos were taken earlier this week while the Kizashi was undergoing testing in Germany under very light camouflage.
The Kizashi will be Suzuki's first mid-size sedan as the compact carmaker moves its brand upmarket and introduces products into the middle segment of the passenger car market. The mid-size segment is one of the most fiercely competitive in the US market and the Kizashi will go up against best-selling models such as the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and the Chevy Malibu.
Spycam: 2010 MazdaSpeed3 Caught at the 'Ring
With its winning combination of pleasing looks, high-end features, and fun-to-drive dynamics, the present Mazda3 continues to win comparison tests despite being on the market mostly unchanged since 2004. Even so, going on five years is a long time in the car world, and now Mazda is readying its all-new, 2010 Mazda3 to keep the compact fresh. Official photos of the new 2010 Mazda3 sedan hit the Web recently, stirring up a lot of excitement, but lacking any specs or additional info many enthusiasts were left wondering -- what about a new 2010 MazdaSpeed3?
Porsche 911 Bi-Turbo by DKR Tuning
Those owners of the Porsche 911 Turbo who aren’t entirely satisfied that their car really is the powerhouse Porsche claims it is, can turn to German tuner DKR for a €5,529 power upgrade. DKR Tuning optimises the ECU software and fits a new sports exhaust system to garner a forceful 540 bhp/ 402kW and 775Nm from the car’s twin-turbo 3.6-litre boxer engine.
After having upgraded the engine one might feel a little more adventurous and go kit mad. For that DKR provides 19-inch Cargraphic RS alloy wheels on 235/35 tyres in front and 305/30 at the rear. A functional front lip spoiler and larger rear wing gives that macho appearance that accompanies all this power. It’s a 911 so handling needs no introduction, even at full 540 horses on the throttle.
Sport/Utility Of The Year: Subaru Forester
It would be easy to say that this year's winner is a knee-jerk reaction, that the editors of Motor Trend responded to the skyrocketing cost of gasoline like the rest of the driving public by abruptly abandoning the traditional SUV formula for something smaller, more fuel-efficient, greener, more, well, forest-y. It would be easy to categorize our selection of the Subaru Forester as Motor Trend's 2009 Sport/Utility of the Year as a choice made solely at the pump, but it wouldn't be true.
Sure, our Subaru Forester 2.5XT contender posted the best observed fuel-economy numbers (16.0 mpg) for an all-wheel-drive SUV in this year's competition, but that's not the whole story.
JMS Audi A3 Sportback Body Kit Released
German tuner JMS has released a wild tuning package for the humble Audi A3. The “Racelook Exclusiv” kit provides an aggressive, tuned appearance to the hatchback A3. To take the conservative family hatchback over the styling edge, JMS now provides a coil-over suspension kit that lowers the A3 by 55mm at the front and 45mm at the rear. Massive nineteen-inch eta-beta tettsut wheels in black with stainless steel inlays give the show car a race-ready stance.
To finish it off, JMS provides a full body kit, including a rear roof spoiler, a rear apron, side skirts and a deep front spoiler with cutouts for air intakes that can be screened with silver or black alloy mesh. The full kit costs about 5700 Euro. For more information, check out JMS’ website at www.racelook.de.
Porsche Roock celebrates Le Mans win with RST 600 LM
About a decade ago, Roock Racing was one of the most dominant GT racing teams at Le Mans and a short time later in the ALMS with their Porsche GT2 race cars. Since then they have focused their attention on tuning street Porsches, the latest of which is the RST 600 LM that commemorates their victory in the GT2 class at the 1996 24 Hours of Le Mans. The package includes upgraded turbochargers, a titanium exhaust system, and an upgraded ECU good for just over 600 horsepower and 611 lb-ft torque. Performance numbers are a claimed 3.1 second sprint to 60 mph and a top end of 211 mph. Roock also adds a carbon fiber clutch, fully tuned suspension, and massive 380mm drilled and vented brakes. Inside, the RST 600 LM gets carbon fiber trim, oil and temperature gauges, and custom seats with four point harnesses. Finally, subtle exterior modifications are added including a new front splitter, rear diffuser, rear spoiler, and lightweight aluminum racing wheels. Full details are in the press release after the jump and high resolution photos can be found in the gallery below.
Paris Motor Show 2008: Live shots of the Ford Focus RS
Ford's new Focus RS has made its second European debut and we've managed to snag some live shots of the new car on the stand. Covered in Ultra Green paint as it is, we could hardly miss it. The new hue is meant to be "a modern interpretation of the 1970's Ford Le Mans Green." In that case, perhaps it should be called Grabber Green? Powered by a turbocharged Duratec 2.5L five-cylinder producing about 300 horsepower and 325 ft-lbs of torque, the new Focus RS is the fastest European Ford ever produced and can hit 60 mph in under six seconds. Front-wheel drive was chosen in lieu of all-wheel as the Blue Oval's 'RevoKnuckle' front suspension system along with the Quaife Automatic Torque Biasing limited-slip differential is said to remove all traces of torque steer. Expect to see the new Focus RS in European dealerships sometime in 2009.
Paris Motor Show 2008: Chevrolet Cruze meets an eager Europe
The Chevrolet Cruze is three kinds of car: small, American and important. And with the state of General Motors, it isn't even the individual words that mean the most: it's whether The General can combine them into a reliable, fuel efficient and cost effective package. True, we don't get to drive these things while they're parked under the lights, but to have a seat in the Cruze is to imagine a GM that begs the question, "Where was all this before the meltdown?" The studio imagery we've seen so far translates nicely into real life, and the center console looks and feels substantial – in fact, it looks like it could be foreign – even if the silver mesh treatment in the show car was a bit much. The car has a compact yet full-bodied stance, and will probably look even better on the road in a color other than scarlet, and not under klieg lights. Spring of '09 will welcome this first Cruze variant to Europe, after which other regions will get it, as well as a probable hatchback and wagon. It will be powered by a 1.4-liter turbo four-cylinder that charts up to 140 hp and is said to return 40 mpg. Have a look at the high-res gallery of live shots below to get a better idea of what to expect when the Cruze goes on sale here in a couple years.
2008 Paris Motor Show: Mazda Kiyora concept
Like so many shows in recent memory, part of the theme in Paris is "green." So in addition to the Nissan Nuvu micro EV, Mazda took the wraps off yet another Nagare-themed concept, the Kiyora.
Taking inspiration from past design studies and its Japanese name, which translates to "clean and pure," the Kiyora will influence Mazda's next city car, due to replace the Mazda2 in the middle of the next decade. Measuring in at 3,770mm, the four-seat city car features a 1.3-liter gasoline-powered engine with direct injection and more efficient combustion chambers mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox. Weight and aerodynamics are two key elements of the Kiyora, and with a body made almost entirely of carbon fiber and a drag reduced by 10 percent over the current Mazda2, the diminutive city car would put out less than 90g/km of CO2... if it goes into production.
2008 Paris Motor Show: Ferrari California in the flesh
It's not every day that Ferrari unveils a new sportscar. And when it does, it's almost invariably billed as a successor to the one that came before, or a version of something already on the market. But the Ferrari California is an entirely different beast, expanding the Prancing Horse's line-up into a new segment, and it certainly looks the part when viewed up close. We'll have to reserve our judgment for the time being on the California's driving dynamics, but the Italians promise it'll keep up its end and then some with its new direct-inject, 460-hp version of the company's 4.3L V8. In the meantime, today was a big day for Ferrari, and we've got the pictures to prove it.
Next Generation Mini Cooper Cabrio Leaked
The new Mini Cabrio isn't due to hit the motor show circuit until the Detroit Auto Show in January, so presenting these first leaked press images of the model comes somewhat as a surprise.
Production of the previous generation Mini Cabrio has already ended, and the first units of the new generation won't make it to the production line until March next year. Therefore, these unearthed images are likely to provide enthusiasts a welcomed fix in the meantime.
Quick Test: 2009 Chevrolet Traverse LTZ AWD
The Traverse is the fourth General Motors' model built on its Lambda unibody architecture, others being the Buick Enclave, Saturn Outlook, and GMC Acadia. The Traverse is functionally much the same as its cross-brand siblings and gives Chevy a much-needed entry in this segment, replacing the ages-old, truck-based TrailBlazer. It also gives us our first taste of GM's direct-fuel-injection V-6 in this platform, although the other variants also are so equipped for 2009.
With optional dual exhausts, the newest version of GM's 3.6L DOHC V-6 spools out 288 hp. The engine is quiet and smooth and has a wide powerband. It's mated to a six-speed automatic transaxle, replete with a handy toggle switch on the end of the shifter to allow manual scrolling up and down all six gears. It's a good powertrain, but it works hard to move the Traverse's mass, plus cargo. You pay the penalty at the pump: While the EPA fuel economy estimates are 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway, the observed fuel economy for our admittedly hard-driven, top-of-the-range, 5111-lb, all-wheel-drive LTZ was just 12.1 mpg.
2008 Paris Motor Show Preview: Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback and Ralliart revealed early
Mitsubishi told us way back in June that it would debut the five-door Lancer Sportback and Sportback Ralliart at the Paris Motor Show in October. They were close, as images of the two models have surfaced on the web today just a week before the big show in Paris. The new Sportback model adds all the versatility of Subaru's similarly shaped 5-door Impreza models, which should be a big hit in Europe where they'll go on sale first. The base Lancer Sportback models will come with your choice of a 1.5L or 1.8L four-cylinder or 2.0L turbodiesel, and the Sportback Ralliart that serves up a side of practicality with your main course of performance, will be powered by a 2.0L MIVEC turbocharged four-cylinder making 237 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque. It will also come with Mitsubishi's new Twin-Clutch SST transmission, an Active Center Differential and all the go-fast goodies found on the sedan version. The Lancer Sportback should hit European showrooms this fall, and we're cautiously certain it will end on sale in the U.S. as well where Suburu already offers the Impreza in both sedan and five-door hatchback versions.
LA Auto Show Preview: Toyota to display CNG fueled Camry Hybrid concept
Toyota Camry Hybrid vehicles are increasingly becoming mainstream, but so far all of the production units available on the market have used gasoline exclusively as the fuel for the internal combustion engine. Various manufacturers have also shown concept and one-off test hybrid vehicles with diesel and E85 capable flex-fuel engines. One combination we don't recall seeing is a CNG fueled hybrid. Toyota plans to address that oversight at the LA Auto Show in November with a CNG fueled Camry Hybrid. Vehicles running on compressed natural gas are nothing new, although the only one currently offered by a major automaker in the US right now is the Honda Civic GX. Since CNG vehicles have a shorter range, they have primarily been used by fleets with centralized filling stations. Toyota has built this vehicle as part of its wide ranging sustainable mobility strategy. With domestic supplies of CNG being comparatively plentiful, something like a CNG hybrid sedan could be a good option for someone who does most of their driving locally. Combine it with the Phill home fueling station and you'd never have to go to a gas station again. Press release after the break.
Quick Drive:Chrysler Future Electric Vehicles Dodge Sports Car E
It takes a contortionist to slip inside the little yellow Dodge EV. But what would you expect? It is, after all, little more than a modified version of the cramped Lotus Europa.
Yanking my legs in and stowing them under the steering wheel, I reach for the "D" button, which has replaced the British sports car's gearshift, on the center console. At first, it seems nothing has happened, but my escort just smiles, then suggests I tip in the throttle. Not quite as firmly as I try, it turns out, the sports car lurching forward with a shot.
"Got it," I say, gamely returning his smile. This time, I squeeze the pedal a little more smoothly, steering my way out of the parking lot and onto the ramp that leads to the sweeping test track at Chrysler headquarters, in Auburn Hills, Michigan.
First Look: 2009 Pontiac G5
The Pontiac G5 arrived in the U.S. with little fanfare in 2006 as a 2007 model to serve duty as Pontiac's entry-level vehicle. The compact is identical to the Chevrolet Cobalt save for the front end and badges. Sold in Canada in Mexico as a sedan and a coupe, only the sportier two-door G5 is available here.
The smallest Pontiac rolls into 2009 with several changes, most notably under the hood. An updated 2.2L inline-four that gets a power boost to 155 hp and 155 lb-ft is now the only engine option for the G5 -- the 171-hp 2.4L inline-four that used to power the G5 GT goes away. When combined with the standard five-speed manual transmission -- which receives a new 3.63 final drive ratio -- and newly added 15-in. wheels with low-rolling-resistance tires, the revised engine allows the base G5 to achieve an improvement in fuel economy to a fairly impressive 25 mpg city/37 mpg highway.
Jaguar Files Patents for 2011 Jaguar C-XJ and C-XE Names
Jaguar has patented the words C-XJ and C-XE. What this means for us looking through the British pussycat’s cage is that two new concepts will soon be unveiled to the public. The one is of course the new 2011 XJ big daddy leaper which has been extensively spied on a number of occasions already. The second one is XE. Lots of guesses on this one, but a likely candidate is a smaller XK, something of a Porsche Boxster or BMW Z4 rival perhaps? Or just a step below XK, say something to rival a 911 instead. The X would be Jaguar’s way of labeling its cars, and the E stems from the classic E-Type. Others contend that it’s the X-Type replacement.
First Drive: 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI
We've said it before: There is no automotive silver bullet that saves money, reduces environmental impact, and gets us off foreign oil all in one shot. At least not at the moment, given the current state of technology, infrastructure, government statutes, and business case realities. But Volkswagen has chambered a round that moves the game forward by a fair amount. VW has sold diesels on and off in the U.S. market since 1977. All were good, most were slow, and they suffered from the old maladies that have been associated with diesels for decades.
Audi RS5 Headed for 2009 Detroit Motor Show
Audi fans will be in for a special treat come the 2009 Detroit Motor Show when the Audi RS5 goes live to the public for the first time, many months after spy photos and renderings have long been doing the rounds. Although the RS5 will bare it all for the media world to see on January 11, 2009, US lovers of everything RS will have to make do with only this version for a while. That’s because Audi says the RS6 won't be heading for American dealerships, thanks to exceptionally stringent emissions laws Stateside.
First Drive: 2010 Subaru Forester 2.0D
Subaru has built the world's first flat four-cylinder diesel for production cars. Europeans have been driving it in the Legacy and Outback since January, and in about a month, after the Paris Auto Show, they'll have it in the new third-gen Forester, too. Americans...well, we'll have to wait, but we could get the boxer-diesel Forester sometime in 2010. If, that is, Subaru gets the message (wink wink) that American buyers are seriously interested.
Yesterday I drove the new Forester 2.0D through the idyllic rural roads of Austria and neighboring Slovenia, and it's an appealing piece indeed. The boxer diesel is essentially an all-new engine, sharing its bore centers with Subaru's 3.0L gas six (to help reduce machining costs) but otherwise made mostly of unique parts. The twin-cam, four-cylinder mill displaces 2.0L, feeds off a common-rail fuel-delivery system, and breathes via 16 valves and a variable-nozzle turbo. Output is 145 hp at 3600 rpm but the engine makes a manly 258 lb-ft of torque at just 1800 rpm (compared with 226 lb-ft for the Forester's 2.0L turbo gas engine).
Ford Mondeo Individual Package Launched in Paris Motor Show
The Ford Mondeo Ghia and Titanium models are getting a touch of exclusivity with Ford Europe's new Individual program. First introduced on the S-Max, the Individual program is making its Mondeo debut in Paris following a well received design study at 2007 Frankfurt Show.
The most prominent feature of the package is the luxurious leather trim on the seats, armrests, door panel inserts, gear shift gaiter and handbrake gaiter. The leather consists of high quality nappa and grained leather with ‘hand-stitching’ effect or an eye-catching cross-stitch, for additional style and embossed with the Ford ‘Individual’ signature.
WorldCarFans.com Newsletter
 d a i l y n e w s l e t t e r |
| Hello! This is your Daily WorldCarFans.com Newsletter! Designed to keep you updated with the latest news and events happening in the automotive world | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Copyright 2007 Black Falcon Media Group Oy | About WCF | terms of service | privacy policy | contact us |
| If you believe you've received this newsletter in error, Click Here to Unsubscribe. Black Falcon Media Group and WorldCarFans.com will not sell or share your email address for third-party promotions. View our privacy policy for more information. |
