September 4, 2008
Carscoop (via Km77.com, a Spanish web site) has nabbed a couple of images of the next Miata refresh.
The new front end is daring, for sure. To be honest, I don't care for it. I much prefer the current model. No word yet on other changes. The car should be officially announced soon.Full story here.
September 3, 2008
Like everything else with wheels these days, expect the next-gen Corvette to go after more mpg rather than more mph. Popular Mechanics is reporting that there is talk of V6s and maybe even diesels. As they say, everything is on the table for discussion.
Photo Illustration: Anthony Verducci
August 29, 2008
Call me old-fashioned, but I'm big on carrying on tradition when it comes automobiles. Well, that is, to a degree... I'm usually at the head of the class when it comes to promoting new and innovative ideas--but I do have a soft spot when it comes to keeping certain iconic automotive symbols--symbols that are at the heart (essence!) of a specific brand or model. The Gullwing Mercedes is one of them.
Even as a kid growing up, I sensed that when the then next-generation SL "pagoda-roof" sports car models appeared, sans a gullwing version, I knew the world would be forever a bit off-kilter.
I still feel that way. I don't think--in all the years that have passed--that Mercedes has ever, in the minds of many, offered a car that truly replaced the original gullwing. That may be about to change, now that a new gullwing is in the works. Let's hope so.
Karl on Cars also did a story on the SL recently, and has touched on this subject as well:
Cars that Jumped the Shark: Mercede-Benz SL
Spy Image: Automedia
August 28, 2008
The official 2010 Ford Mustang announcement is not too far off, and with that thought here are a couple of Mustang-isms to ponder...
New hood
Okay, what engines will see use under this hood? The power-bulge should give some sort of hint.
There will be a new 'Stang gracing the Mustang grille and whatever. Which of the two pictured here is the new pony?
This actually could be good news, as originally there had been rumors that Chrysler would ax the Viper. So now we have this news that the Viper could survive--if some other company would be interested in buying it; and of course, if the price is right to both parties. Let's hope that's the case.
In a perfect world, the Viper would remain a Chrysler product. In a slightly less perfect world, it would be bought by an American company (perhaps Shelby?). If push-comes-to-shove, I think most gearheads would prefer to see the Viper continue--even if it's owned by some huge Mid-East, Indian or other foreign conglomerate--than to have it go down the tubes.
Here's Inside Line's take: Chrysler Confirms It May Sell off Dodge Viper and Viper Loyalists React with Optimism to Uncertain Future for Dodge Supercar
August 27, 2008
For those waiting for the return of the now Chinese-owned MG brand to these shores, your wish has just been torpedoed.
NAC's managing director Gary Hagen states, ""We're starting with the UK and Ireland and, once we're up to speed, we will be pushing to sell in Europe. The USA isn't on the short-term radar as an anticipated market for us but, with the right product, it would be good to return there."Full story here.
August 17, 2008
So how do you top what is arguably the most impressive road car on the planet, the Bugatti Veyron? Well, you take the top off.
That's exactly what Bugatti did, and then renamed it the Bugatti Veryon 16.4 Grand Sport. As per all Veryons, the Grand Sport is powered by a 1001 hp W16. Sending all that 1-K+1 power to all four wheels is accomplished via a 7-speed DSG. With the top up it has a top speed of 253 mph, and sans top, the maximum velocity is limited to 190 mph. Can you imagine what it must be like doing 190 mph in an open-top car? Yikes!
Only 150 copies will be built, with 50 going to existing Bugatti owners. The car debuted at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, with the proceeds of the first unit being auctioned off going to charity. Price? 1.4 million euros excluding tax. First deliveries are expected in March of 2009.
August 15, 2008
Today, August 15, marks the end of the SOA news embargo on ride impressions of the new-and-improved '09 WRX. I've read several already, and the consensus is unanimous. The WRX has found its misplaced mojo. Fun is once again a word that can be used in the same sentence with the WRX. Welcome back old friend.
Here's Inside Line's take: ROAD TESTS First Drive: 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX
There's been a lot of news on the upcoming Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance recently, and Straightline has sure done its share of posting on that event. However, there's several other classic car news events worthy to report on as well.
How about getting chance to bid on Carroll Shelby's 1949 MG TC? This car, which by the way, set him off on a career in auto racing, will be going up for auction at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event in Las Vegas this October.
Carroll Shelby's Life-Changing 1949 MG TC Hits the Auction Block
Here are a couple from the AACA Museum in Hershey, PA.
Porsche through Time, August 16-21 August 24-27
Porsche Cars North America will be hosting a North American dealer training event here in Hershey with special events at the AACA Museum. As part the updated 2009 911 Carrera training, Porsche will bring a total of six (6) vintage 911 cars for public display at the Museum from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily.
This exhibit will include the earliest 911, which is actually a 1963 Porsche 901 Prototype with chassis 13327. It is the only survivor of the original development prototypes.
Visitors will be able to see more than forty years of evolutionary advances in engineering, technology and styling to the iconic 911 model line.
More after the jump.
August 14, 2008
There have been so many Nürburgring lap time stories and videos recently, I guess Subaru felt they needed to get in on the action. So FHI has put together this video showing various generations of STIs, right up to the current one, doing their 'Ring Thing.
Ah, one more thing... you need to understand Japanese to get the full story. If not, you can still enjoy the visuals.
August 6, 2008
If AutoExpress is to be believed, the next-generation Mazda rotary sports car may use both gas and hydrogen.
As with virtually modern powerplant decisions, fuel economy and lower emissions are behind this. The rumor goes on to say that hydrogen would be primarily used in city driving, with an expected 20-percent gain in fuel economy. The bad news is that you can expect about a 20-percent loss in power as well.Full story here.
August 4, 2008
This year's Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance is going to be "A Real Duesy" (the term A Real Duesy came from admirers of the Duesenberg automobile, and was often applied to anything truly exceptional), as Straightline has reported on a number of exciting cars that will be on display. Here's one more: Bugatti will debut their stunning Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport, which is a roadster version of of their already stunning Veyron. Only 75 - 80 will be built making each one a true collector's item.
Here's Inside Line's take: Revealed: Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport
The press release is after the jump.
July 30, 2008
July 29, 2008
July 28, 2008
Just had this forwarded to me from an impeccable source (no, I ain't tellin'...). Anyway it is not an '09 STI, but rather something from Easy Street Racing. This is apparently some photography being done for a magazine shoot. Joel McHale, from The Soup (E! network), is the the guy on the STI's hood. ...And if you're wondering why, it's own car, which he bought from Easy Street Racing.
July 23, 2008
July 22, 2008
Honda says their eco-friendly OSM, or Open Study Model, (Honda teases with OSM sketch) is merely a concept, exploring new design themes. That's hard to believe as this car looks almost production-ready as is. Many think this hints at what the next S2000 might evolve into, or even at the up-coming CR-Z.
Here's Inside Line's take: 2008 British Auto Show: Eco-Friendly Honda OSM Makes Debut
The code-named Lotus 'Project Eagle' ('Project Eagle' a new mid-engined, 2+2 Sportscar from Lotus) was introduced at the British Auto Show wearing the Evora name tag. This 2+2 is the first all-new Lotus since the Elise, which was introduced back in 1995.
Unlike other Lotus cars, the Evora was designed as a pure GT, and not a sports car. Powered by a 276 hp 3.5L V6, the new car uses a lightweight chassis technology for first-rate track performance but with ride and handling more in line with a grand touring car. Under the skin the entire front-end structure is a high tech aluminum sacrificial modular unit, attached to the main extruded aluminum tub. This modular unit is designed to deform for maximum safety, and to reduce repair costs in the event of a frontal impact. The car's final curb weight comes in at 1,350kg. That number could change as it's still a prototype. Production starts later this year.
Here's Inside Line's take: 2008 British Auto Show: Lotus Evora Fit for "American Males" Debuts
The UK is getting two--possibly three--special edition WRXs, which no doubt are meant to counter any upcoming Mitsubishi EVO challenges. They are a 252 ps WRX-S, a 325ps WRX STI 330S, and finally a 375ps WRX STI 380S concept.
Of most interest to American Subie fans is the UK-spec WRX-S (pictured above), as that could well hint at what we might see in the US-spec 2009 WRX. The car mirrors most if not all the items mentioned in recent rumors such as in a more powerful 2.5 engine and a tweaked suspension and aero kit. It also has some STI visual styling cues, such as the STI grille and painted out (former chrome) panel on the rear hatch. One thing I don't expect to see is the 18" wheels and tires seen here. The U.S. model will be getting upgraded rubber and grayed out wheels, but will remain 17" units.
Subaru of America is supposed to announce the 2009 Imprezas in about a week, so it won't be long before we know the whole deal.
Here's Inside Line's take: 2008 British Auto Show: Subaru Impreza WRX STI 380S
LeftLaneNews is reporting that a possible new mid-engine sportscar from VW may be in the works, and may be displayed at the LA auto show. If true, this would be a 'halo' car for the VW brand. Even more intrieging is that Audi and Porsche may also get versions.
Think of this as being a modern-day VW/Porsche 914. Also think Lotus Elise-fighter, but cheaper; well the VW version will be cheaper. A couple of engine could be used, all based on a four inline four-cylinder format set in front of the rear axles. As to specifics, a gasoline 1.4-liter turbo engine making 168 horsepower and a new 1.6-liter diesel with 125hp are under consideration. Either engine will likely use a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Audi version would likely use the 211hp 2.0TFSI engine, with the option of a twin-turbo 2.0-liter TDI good for 204hp. Porsche may even revive the 914 nameplate for their model.
Also expected is an aluminum spaceframe. If true, the car would weigh in at under 2,200lbs, which would mean great performance as well as fuel economy.
July 21, 2008
The long wait for the all-new 2010 Chevy Camaro is about over, as images of the production model have hit the Net.
The car will be "officially" introduced this afternoon at 4:00 EDT on a webcast.
The new Camaro can be had in three trim levels -- LS, LT and SS (no, there is not an RS trim level). Power will be supplied via either a 296-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 or a 416-hp 6.2-liter V8. Both engines will be available with either a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox. Other goodies include stability control, Brembo brakes (on the SS), retro-themed gauges and LED interior lighting. Figure on a weight of about 3,750 pounds, with a 52/48 front/rear weight distribution.
Here's Inside Line's take: Revealed: Official Shots of 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
More images after the jump.
July 19, 2008
For all you gearheads sitting by the pool (with your laptop of course), by the lake, by the beach, at the park, or wherever, here's a few automotive related items to get you through until Monday, when we start all over again:
The Parajet Skycar: Britain's zero-carbon flying dune buggy aims for Timbouctou.
Troubled GM is cutting back on NASCAR spending.
GM to build World's Largest Rooftop Solar Power Station.
A Ferrari Hybrid is coming by 2015!
A look at Volkswagen's cars of the future.
A futuristic windshield aims to help older drivers.
July 17, 2008
Better be quick here, as I'm not sure how long this link will remain live. A poster from NASIOC (North American Subaru Impreza Owners Club) got hold of a memo from SOA to dealers about some of the changes that the '09 WRX is getting, and posted it.
Needless to say SOA will be none too happy about this, and probably will pressure NASIOC to remove it. If that happens, fear not as there will be an "official" announcement at the end of this month on the '09 WRX and the other new new Imprezas.
July 16, 2008
Long-time fans of the Subaru STI need no introduction to the spec.C. For those who aren't familiar, the "C" stands for competition, and has been offered in Japan (bottom image) for some time on the previous generation model. Now Subaru is about to release a new spec.C based on the current platform.
Some of what Subaru does to make a spec.C out of a normal STI are the following: First of all the car is made lighter. It has thinner glass and an aluminum roof and rear hatch, as well as a smaller battery and fuel tank. This results in a 70kg loss in weight. From a performance standpoint, there are larger brakes, a more taut suspension, and perhaps some engine tweaks as well. Unlike the test mule here (top image) you can expect a roof scoop, and an upgraded aero package as well as gold wheels.
The new spec.C is expected to go on sale in Japan towards the end of this year or early next year. There's no word as to if we will see this model--but it would be great if it did show up, as it would quiet those saying the STI has gone soft.
Here's Inside Line's take: Spy Photos: Subaru WRX STI spec C
July 15, 2008
After the first round of pseudo spy photos courtesy of Mercedes-Benz, we can now show you some real spy photos of the 2009 McLaren SLR Speedster in action on the Nurburgring. This is the last variation of the SLR that we'll see as the less-than-successful supercar will go out of production soon. Lighter than any of the previous SLRs, the Speedster should be the fastest and most nimble version yet. Its top speed is said to be over 200mph, bring your helmet.
July 11, 2008
The good folks over at Winding Road (here) have posted a spy video of the upcoming Nissan 370Z, which will debut at the LA auto show this fall.
July 10, 2008
So you want to know what it's like to pull off a 7:26.4 lap at Nürburgring? Well then, check out this video of the new Corvette ZR-1 doing just that (Corvette ZR1 tops GT-R 'Ring lap time)!
Here's Inside Line's take: Video: 2009 Corvette ZR1 Does 7:26 Nurburgring Lap
Didn't see this coming...
We've been hearing of the advantages of plug-in hybrids and all-electric cars like the Tesla roadster. Just plug 'em in and in a few hours you're all charged up and ready to go.
Well, yeah--but there's a big "if" here: If your house has a 70-amp 220 circuit in your garage to do the charging. If not, and you're using a typical 15-amp 110 outlet, the charging time could be around 32 hours.
Now granted that time was quoted for the all-electric Tesla, and it might not be the same with a plug-in hybrid. Then again it might... Nobody's mentioned--to my knowledge--anything about what kind of electrical power is needed. You may well have to hire an electrician to put in a dedicated 220 line, otherwise charging could take forever--or 32 hours, which is almost like forever.
Here's Green Car Advisor's take: 32 Hours Needed to Charge a Tesla Roadster Using Common Electrical Outlet
July 9, 2008
Well, it looks like Alfa Romeo and Mini are going to do the showroom tango, as a deal has been struck up between BMW (the parent of Mini) and Fiat (the parent of Alfa Romeo). so that Alfas can be sold via established Mini outlets.
My first response was surprise--but in a good way--as I see the two "nostalgic" brands being paired together as a natural union.
"We are currently examining with the Fiat Group possibilities for the joint use of components and systems in Mini and Alfa Romeo vehicles in order to achieve economies of scale and thus cost reductions," BMW executive board member Friedrich Eichiner said in a statement.
"The proposed cooperation with BMW is a significant cornerstone of our strategy of alliances. We are delighted to work with such an esteemed and respected partner in the automotive industry with the clear objective of improving the competitive position of both parties," Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne said.
July 8, 2008
Might this be a hint of the next Honda S2000? No according to Honda spokesman Steve Kirk. Well, then, what about the upcoming CR-Z? Might we see some styling cues from this end up on that model? Don't know, and Honda ain't tellin.'
This OSM (Open Study Model) will be shown at the upcoming London show. So I guess we'll just have to wait until then to learn more.
July 7, 2008
Gotta love those wacky Brits! Oh wait... this wacky off-roadster wasn't created by wacky Brits, but rather by two wacky Germans who love classic wacky British vehicles!
The idea behind the Bell Aurens Longnose Land Rover "off-roadster" was to combine two icons of the British auto industry, that being the classic Land Rover, with that of the powerful, long-hooded sports cars (think Jag XK120, Aston Martin, etc.) into one vehicle. What a wacky idea! ...And oh so British, even if it was done by Germans. Have to wonder though if these guys aren't really just closet Jeepster fans?
What you see here is a computer-generated image, but this sucker is scheduled for production! Pricing is expected to be over €100,000 with each vehicle custom built to order. Suppliers so far include Land Rover tuning company JE Engineering who will supply 4.6 and 5.0 Liter Rover V8 engines, which includes stage 3 tuning and a special SU carburator set up. And Delta4x4, the German wheel manufacturer will supply a special set of Loder wheels. There will also be a V12 option, hence the ultra-long hood. More details are to come later.
July 3, 2008
I've long felt, that of the all the Porsche 997 (911) models offered, that the Targa had the most sex appeal. Now seeing this updated model, I feel even more so that this is the case. That tapering chrome lip that runs along the top of the side windows is the icing on an already delicious cake.
The car reportedly goes on sale at the end of July.
June 27, 2008
In the hands of General Motors development engineer Jim Mero, a new Corvette ZR1 posted a scorching 7:26.4 lap at the Nürburgring, which beats the Nissan GT-R's 7:29 lap record. The Vette was stock except for communication and safety equipment. It was wearing Michelin Pilot Sport 2’s, which is also the stock tire.
Stay tuned folks, I bet this 'Ring-Thing is not over yet...
Lots of new stuff on the 2009 Porsche 911, but you'd never know by just looking at them. Nope, all the big changes are under the skin, with only a few cosmetic changes to be seen.
First we learned that there are new engines with direct injection and an all-new PDK dual-clutch transmission. That was a few weeks ago (2009 Porsche 911 offers 7-speed dual-clutch transmission)...
June 23, 2008