Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[Mazda RX-8 to die as RX-7 resurfaces for 2012?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/26/mazda-rx-8-to-die-as-rx-7-resurfaces-for-2012/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/26/mazda-rx-8-to-die-as-rx-7-resurfaces-for-2012/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/26/mazda-rx-8-to-die-as-rx-7-resurfaces-for-2012/#comments Filed under: , , ,



The rumormill just can't stop churning out stories of an impending Mazda RX-7 revival. We've been hearing that we should expect the rotary-powered sports car any day now... for the last few years. It's still yet to show its smiling face. Still, here we are with another report indicating that the next RX-7 is just around the corner, this time as a 2011 or 2012 model.

Inside Line reports that the birth of the two-seat Mazda RX-7 will mean the death of the current four-door, four-seat RX-8 that's been in circulation since 2004. Furthermore, the gang in Santa Monica says that next-gen rotary sportscar may not up the performance ante of either the last twin-turbo RX-7 or even the current RX-8's 1.3-liter 232-horsepower Renesis engine. This, despite earlier rumors that the latest 1.6-liter 16X powerplant was kicking out as much as 350 horses while still achieving superior fuel economy over its forebears.

Mazda could instead return to the ethos of the first RX-7 from 1979, fielding a lightweight two-seater powered by a new version of the Wankel producing somewhere between 200 and 250 horsepower. If true, we can expect the next RX-7 to cost somewhere around $25,000 and be positioned against cars like the Hyundai Genesis Coupe and the upcoming RWD Toyota/Subaru.


Gallery: 2009 Mazda RX-8 R3


[Source: Inside Line]

Mazda RX-8 to die as RX-7 resurfaces for 2012? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 26 Dec 2009 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2011 mazda rx-72011 mazda rx72011MazdaRx-72011MazdaRx72012 mazda rx-72012 Mazda RX-92012 mazda rx72012MazdaRx-72012MazdaRx-92012MazdaRx7mazdamazda rotaryMazda RX-7mazda rx-8mazda rx-9Mazda RX7Mazda RX8MazdaRotaryMazdaRx-7MazdaRx-8MazdaRx-9MazdaRx7MazdaRx8 Sat, 26 Dec 2009 12:45:00 EST <![CDATA[Spy Shots: 2011 BMW M5 clobbering the 'Ring]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/25/spy-shots-bmw-m5-clobbering-the-ring/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/25/spy-shots-bmw-m5-clobbering-the-ring/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/25/spy-shots-bmw-m5-clobbering-the-ring/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

The 2011 BMW M5 is having its heart and reflexes tested at der Nürburgring. Thus far, the company has kept a remarkably tight lid on the details of what the buyers can expect from the forthcoming supersedan, but varied and persistent rumors all point to more power, more usability, more economy, and more edge.

The next M5's twin-turbo V8, said to be a tweaked version of the one in the X5M and X6M, could have somewhere between 570 and 600 horses in its corral. Carbon and aluminum will undoubtedly be featured prominently, and a Kinetic Energy Recovery System could also figure into the mix. Maybe it's just us, but it looks like the front end is going to wear some serious wheel arches as part of the visual package, too.

The only obvious, and disappointing, hole in all of the scuttlebutt so far is whether the new M5 will be offered with a manual transmission. We hope BMW knows that there is indeed a wrong answer to that question...

[Source: Carscoop]

Spy Shots: 2011 BMW M5 clobbering the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Dec 2009 19:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2011 bmw2011 bmw m52011 m52011Bmw2011BmwM52011M5bmwbmw m5BmwM5m5sedanspy shotsSpyShots Fri, 25 Dec 2009 19:18:00 EST <![CDATA[2011 Ford Mustang GT and 5.0-liter V8 unwrapped early]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/25/2011-ford-mustang-gt-and-5-0-liter-v8-unwrapped-early/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/25/2011-ford-mustang-gt-and-5-0-liter-v8-unwrapped-early/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/25/2011-ford-mustang-gt-and-5-0-liter-v8-unwrapped-early/#comments Filed under: , , ,

2011 Ford Mustang GT - Click above for gallery of images

Thanks to some embargo breaking that's already occurred, we've known for a week that the 2011 Ford Mustang GT would pack a brand new 5.0-liter V8 producing 412 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. We thought those tidbits might hold over the internet 'till the official embargo date lifts early next week, but we were wrong and therefore are still awake at 1:30 AM on Christmas morning writing this post. Thanks to Jalopnik via MustangHeaven via BurlappCars, we have the first images of the 2011 Mustang GT and its new 5.0-liter V8.

You can read more about some of the engine's details that have already leaked here, but let's just take a look see at what we've got. Kudos to Ford for leaving the engine's tippy top unadorned and we also dig those 5.0 badges on the engine and fenders. Nostalgia FTW - OMG! An old fat guy with a sack of stuff just crawled out of my fire place! I think he's a burglar. Gotta go hide the silver, Merry Christmas!


Gallery: 2011 Ford Mustang GT - leaked images


[Source: BurlappCars via MustangHeaven via Jalopnik]

2011 Ford Mustang GT and 5.0-liter V8 unwrapped early originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Dec 2009 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2011 ford mustang gt2011FordMustangGtdetroitdetroit 2010detroit auto showdetroit showDetroit2010DetroitAutoShowDetroitShowfordford mustangford mustang gtFordMustangFordMustangGtmustangmustang 5.0mustang gtMustang5.0MustangGt Fri, 25 Dec 2009 01:30:00 EST <![CDATA[Walter Röhrl entering the Nürburgring 24 Hours in a bone stock Porsche GT3 RS]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/24/walter-rohrl-entering-the-nurburgring-24-hours-in-a-bone-stock-p/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/24/walter-rohrl-entering-the-nurburgring-24-hours-in-a-bone-stock-p/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/24/walter-rohrl-entering-the-nurburgring-24-hours-in-a-bone-stock-p/#comments Filed under: , , ,

2010 Porsche GT3 RS - Click above for high-res image gallery

Porsche test pilot and all-around legend Walter Röhrl will be competing in next year's Nürburgring 24-Hour race for the first time in 17 years. His weapon of choice for the event: the 2010 Porsche GT3 RS. That's the rear-wheel drive one with the 450 horsepower 3.8-liter that runs up to 8,500 RPM. The one with the track-specific, lightweight lithium-ion battery and dynamic engine mounts. The one that did the Kessel Run 'Ring in 12 parsecs 7:33 in light traffic.

Röhrl says the street-legal production car is the closest thing to a race car he's ever driven, so he wants to find out what it can ultimately do from gun-to-flag. It probably won't hand comeuppance to the four-liter, $494,000 GT3 RSR, but with the same horsepower as the dedicated racer we figure Röhrl plans to keep it close.


Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 RS


[Source: Paul Tan]

Walter Röhrl entering the Nürburgring 24 Hours in a bone stock Porsche GT3 RS originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Dec 2009 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2010 gt3 rs2010 porsche2010 porsche 911 gt3 rs2010Gt3Rs2010Porsche2010Porsche911Gt3RscoupeGT3 RacingGt3RacingmotorsportsNurburgringnurburgring 24Nurburgring24performance sedanPerformanceSedanporsche gt3 rsPorscheGt3RsPorschePanamerawalter rohrlWalterRohrl Thu, 24 Dec 2009 14:59:00 EST <![CDATA[Challarostang? Enterprising car modeler combines three ponies into one]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/24/challarostang-enterprising-car-modeler-combines-three-ponies-in/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/24/challarostang-enterprising-car-modeler-combines-three-ponies-in/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/24/challarostang-enterprising-car-modeler-combines-three-ponies-in/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , ,


The Challarostang - Click above for high-res image gallery

Having trouble deciding which of America's three latest muscle cars is right for you? Well, at least you're not alone. We ourselves at the Autoblog HQ have had lengthy debates on the merits and drawbacks of each model, and the expected ongoing series of improvements to the Camaro, Challenger and Mustang are sure to drive a wedge between GM Gearheads, Ford Fanatics and Mopar Maniacs until the end of time.

Or, as seen above, you could go a slightly different route and combine all three ponies into one model, which we've taken the liberty of christening has been christened (Whoops! We're apparently not as clever as we thought, someone beat us to the name.) the Challarostang. A Vulcan Mind Meld between the front fascia and hood of a Challenger, the bodysides of a Camaro and the hind end of a Mustang, it actually doesn't look nearly as crazy as you might imagine. In fact, we kinda dig it.

According to Robert D, the Challarostang's modeler, the automotive ménage à trois seen here took four months to complete. Next question, which drivetrain do you choose? Click here for a description of the build process from the modeler himself.


Gallery: The Challarostang


[Source: Model Cars Magazine Forum via Carscoop]

Challarostang? Enterprising car modeler combines three ponies into one originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Dec 2009 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> camarochallarestangchallengerchevroletchevychevy camaroChevyCamarododgedodge challengerDodgeChallengerfordford mustangFordMustangmustang Thu, 24 Dec 2009 11:59:00 EST <![CDATA[Lotus celebrates return to F1 with Exige S Type 72]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/lotus-celebrates-return-to-f1-with-exige-s-type-72/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/lotus-celebrates-return-to-f1-with-exige-s-type-72/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/lotus-celebrates-return-to-f1-with-exige-s-type-72/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Lotus Exige S Type 72 - Click above for high-res image gallery

After a 15-year hiatus, Lotus is coming back to Formula One, and to commemorate its return to the top tier of motorsport, the Hethel crew is creating yet another special Exige inspired by the Type 72 that dominated F1 in the Seventies.

Like nearly every other limited edition Lotus released in the last few years, the Exige S Type 72 is little more than a repainted, kitted-up version of its midship masterpiece. The supercharged, 1.8-liter inline four remains unchanged, putting out 220 horsepower and allowing the two-tone coupe to sprint to 60 in 4.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 145 mph.

A set of carbon fiber ProBax sport seats swathed in black microfiber with contrast stitching ties in with the exterior's gold wheels and emblems, while standard twin oil coolers and an adjustable front anti-roll bar round out the mechanical upgrades.

Lotus has slated 20 Type 72s for sale in the UK, with another 20 destined for markets outside of the mainland (no word on U.S. distribution), each carrying a price tag of £35,995 or 40,332 euro. Not cheap, but then again, how do you put a price on nostalgia?


Gallery: Lotus Exige S Type 72

Continue reading Lotus celebrates return to F1 with Exige S Type 72

Lotus celebrates return to F1 with Exige S Type 72 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> exige sExigeSlotusLotus Exige S Type 72LotusExigeSType72type 72type-72Type72 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 20:00:00 EST <![CDATA[Bugatti trademarks 16C Galibier shape, production decision coming soon?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/bugatti-trademarks-16c-galibier-shape-production-decision-comin/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/bugatti-trademarks-16c-galibier-shape-production-decision-comin/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/bugatti-trademarks-16c-galibier-shape-production-decision-comin/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Bugatti Galibier concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

The question of whether or not Volkswagen will decide to put the Bugatti 16C Galibier into production is still unanswered. While we've heard rumors that the German automaker was leaning towards the affirmative, the green light has yet to be lit.

Still, Bugatti is making sure all of its ducks are in a row... just in case. Evidence of such can be seen in a trademark filing with the World Intellectual Property Organization that seeks to keep other automakers from stealing the car's design and shape. After all, it's happened before.

With Veyron production scheduled to come to an end after the 2012 model year, Bugatti only has a little bit of time to decide if it's moving forward on that supercar's successor, and if so, whether or not the front-engine, four-door Galibier is the direction it needs to go. We should know soon enough.


Gallery: Bugatti 16C Galibier concept


[Source: Carscoop]

Bugatti trademarks 16C Galibier shape, production decision coming soon? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bugattibugatti 16cbugatti 16c galibierBugatti 16C Galibier Conceptbugatti galibierbugatti trademarkBugatti16cBugatti16cGalibierBugatti16cGalibierConceptBugattiGalibierBugattiTrademarktrademarkworld intellectual property organizationWorldIntellectualPropertyOrganization Wed, 23 Dec 2009 19:01:00 EST <![CDATA[Report: Ferrari to show 599 hybrid concept in Geneva]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/report-ferrari-to-show-599-hybrid-concept-in-geneva/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/report-ferrari-to-show-599-hybrid-concept-in-geneva/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/report-ferrari-to-show-599-hybrid-concept-in-geneva/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Italian pub, Quattroroute reports Ferrari will show its first road-going hybrid next March at the Geneva Motor Show. Based on the 599 GTB, the Ferrari hybrid is expected to use a derivative of the kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) used on the prancing horse's Formula One cars during part of the 2009 season.

The KERS setup and the concept will reportedly use a lithium ion battery pack, and based on the diagram (right) the road car will have the battery and the power electonics mounted on either side of the rear transaxle, with an electric motor incorporated into the transaxle itself. If the road car is similar to the race car, this will essentially be a mild hybrid system providing automatic start-stop, regenerative braking and electric boost. Judging by the battery size, Ferrari won't offer any pure electric propulsion. The system is expected to boost urban driving mileage by over 30 percent from the current 8.7 mpg (US) to a slightly less miserable 13.8 mpg.

Thanks to Daniele for the tip!

[Source: Quattroroute]

Report: Ferrari to show 599 hybrid concept in Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> ferrari 599ferrari 599 gtbferrari 599 hybridferrari 599 hybrid conceptferrari f430Ferrari599Ferrari599GtbFerrari599HybridFerrari599HybridConceptFerrariF430genevageneva auto showGeneva Motor ShowGeneva-Motor-ShowGenevaAutoShowGenevaMotorShowkerskers hybridKersHybridkinetic energy recov...kinetic energy recovery systemKineticEnergyRecov...KineticEnergyRecoverySystem Wed, 23 Dec 2009 17:58:00 EST <![CDATA[VIDEO: <i>Top Gear</i> pits BMW X5 M against Audi Q7 TDI and Land Rover Range Rover Supercharged]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/video-top-gear-pits-bmw-x5-m-against-audi-q7-tdi-and-lan/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/video-top-gear-pits-bmw-x5-m-against-audi-q7-tdi-and-lan/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/video-top-gear-pits-bmw-x5-m-against-audi-q7-tdi-and-lan/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Why the whole world loves Top Gear - click above to watch the video

If you're like us - and odds are very good you are - you have an evergreen problem. Namely, getting your significant other to feel one-tenth of the excitement about cars that you feel. Sure, you've tried explaining that while you almost drove off the freeway, it's okay because you were trying to catch up with a 1978 Chevrolet Corvette Indy Pace Car. Or that waking up at 5:30 am on a Saturday to stand around in a parking lot drinking coffee and gawking at old cars is a perfectly normal family activity. You've probably even suggested that she might be happier driving to work in a Citroën DS. Maybe that last part is just us. But maybe not.

Well friends, we have found the solution. The following ten minute clip of Jeremy Clarkson waxing extra poetic about three "mad" SUVs is practically guaranteed to delight even the most fervent, dyed-in-the-wool car hater. It's simply brilliant. Why? Because it's Jeremy at his very best. Yes, of course, he insults stewardesses, environmentalists and the mentally ill all the while powersliding around an abandoned air strip. But he does it all in his 100-percent totally lovable way that frankly we find impossible to resist. Even those spouses that think your big, fat V8, "sounds wasteful" are sure to become fast fans. How could anyone argue with "sliced dolphins?" Make the jump to watch the video.

[Source: Top Gear via YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Top Gear pits BMW X5 M against Audi Q7 TDI and Land Rover Range Rover Supercharged

VIDEO: Top Gear pits BMW X5 M against Audi Q7 TDI and Land Rover Range Rover Supercharged originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> AudiAudi Q7 V12 TDIAudiQ7V12TdiBMWBMW X5 MBmwX5MClarksonJeremy ClarksonJeremyClarksonJezzaLand RoverLandRoverQ7Range RoverRange Rover SuperchargedRangeRoverRangeRoverSuperchargedTop GearTopGearX5X5 MX5M Wed, 23 Dec 2009 12:30:00 EST <![CDATA[Review: 2009 BMW Z4 sDrive30i is an easy lover]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/2009-bmw-z4-sdrive30i-review/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/2009-bmw-z4-sdrive30i-review/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/2009-bmw-z4-sdrive30i-review/#comments Filed under: , , ,

2009 BMW Z4 sDrive30i - Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW's storied history of building roadsters dates back to the original 328 of the 1930s. However, there have been gaps in the brand's open-top lineage, including one extended stretch through the '60s, '70s and '80s. After a dalliance with the bizarre European market Z1, BMW finally got serious about roadsters again in the '90s with the introduction of the Z3.

Earlier this year, the Munich brand introduced what's essentially the third generation of its modern mainline roadster (discounting the aforementioned low-volume Z1 and the Z8) in the shape of its all-new Z4. Upon its introduction, the esteemed Mr. Harley took our first crack at the new "E89" at its Southern California launch last spring and came away with mixed feelings.

To be fair, whenever an automaker builds a new model, there's always a distinction between what the engineers and designers expect of it and what consumers bank on. There's also a big difference between spending a few hours on a prescribed driving route under controlled conditions versus living with a car as a daily driver for a week or longer. So we wanted to spend time with the Z4 on more familiar turf to see what life is like with BMW's newest roadster.


Gallery: Review: 2010 BMW Z4 sDrive35i


Photos by Sam Abuelsamid / Max Abuelsamid / Copyright (C)2009 Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2009 BMW Z4 sDrive30i is an easy lover

Review: 2009 BMW Z4 sDrive30i is an easy lover originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2009 BMW Z42009 BMW Z4 sDrive30i2009BmwZ42009BmwZ4Sdrive30iBimmerbmwBMW reviewBMW Z4BMW Z4 reviewBmwReviewBmwZ4BmwZ4Reviewconvertiblefeaturedfolding hardtopFoldingHardtopreviewreviewsroadstersDrive30Z4Z4 ReviewZ4Review Wed, 23 Dec 2009 11:57:00 EST <![CDATA[Ford Taurus SHO and Fusion Hybrid awarded 2010 Urban Autos of the Year]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/ford-taurus-sho-and-fusion-hybrid-awarded-2010-urban-autos-of-th/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/ford-taurus-sho-and-fusion-hybrid-awarded-2010-urban-autos-of-th/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/ford-taurus-sho-and-fusion-hybrid-awarded-2010-urban-autos-of-th/#comments Filed under: , , ,

2010 Ford Taurus SHO - Click above for high-res image gallery

There's seemingly no end to the lists and awards that can be dolled out to (sometimes questionably) deserving cars and trucks at the end of the year. Take, for instance, the Urban Automobile of the Year Award by On Wheels Media. This is the 14th year in a row the award has been passed out, and this year top billing goes to the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO.

Athletic, upscale, class-leading, confident, engaging and impressive are all words that seem befitting of an award winner, and you'll find all of them in the press release after the break describing the new SHO. But wait - there's more! We have a second Urban AOTY, this one on the green side of the coin. With the latest Toyota Prius and Honda Insight obvious choices for such an award, Ford is surely happy to see that its 2010 Fusion Hybrid - the most fuel efficient midsize sedan in America at 41 city, 36 highway - earned the trophy, giving the Blue Oval a total sweep of the ceremony.

So, what qualifies a vehicle to be an Urban Automobile of the Year, anyway? Glad you asked. According to Randi Payton, president and publisher of On Wheels Media, "The Urban Automobiles of the Year resonate with the majority of new car buyers who live in urban and suburban areas. The vehicles chosen are cost and fuel-efficient and have performance and safety characteristics relevant to consumers in metropolitan areas." So, there you have it.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Taurus SHO


Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

2010fordfusionhybrid_review0002010fordfusionhybrid_review0012010fordfusionhybrid_review0022010fordfusionhybrid_review0032010fordfusionhybrid_review004

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford Taurus SHO and Fusion Hybrid awarded 2010 Urban Autos of the Year

Ford Taurus SHO and Fusion Hybrid awarded 2010 Urban Autos of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> car of the yearcar of the year 2009car of the year 2010CarOfTheYearCarOfTheYear2009CarOfTheYear2010fordford fusion hybridford taurus shoFordFusionHybridFordTaurusShofusion hybridFusionHybridtaurus shoTaurusShourban auto of the yearurban automobile of the yearUrbanAutomobileOfTheYearUrbanAutoOfTheYear Wed, 23 Dec 2009 08:58:00 EST <![CDATA[Pics Aplenty: Mansory Cyrus goes out and about]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/pics-aplenty-mansory-cyrus-goes-out-and-about/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/pics-aplenty-mansory-cyrus-goes-out-and-about/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/pics-aplenty-mansory-cyrus-goes-out-and-about/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,


Mansory Cypress - Click above for high-res image gallery

Besides talking to the cute blond at the Audi booth, your Autobloggers spent the most time at this year's Frankfurt show arguing in front of the Mansory booth. Why? Some of us simply loved the all carbon fiber Cyrus, while others thought reskinning an Aston Martin DB9 in unpainted CF wasn't the best possible use of all that sci-fi plastic. Also (of course) there was the matte pink Vitesse Rose, which... no comment.

Anyhow, Mansory just released a plethora of images showing the world what the Cyrus looks like when it's on the road. The naysayers among us will no doubt be forced to admit that the Cyrus does look better at speed, though we're still quite anti- fake roof scoop, as well as the glued-on rear quarter panels. Is $600,000ish too much to spend on top of a DB9's based price for all that baked plastic goodness? You be the judge.


Gallery: Mansory Cyrus


[Source: Mansory]

Pics Aplenty: Mansory Cyrus goes out and about originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Carbon FiberCarbonFiberCyrusMansoryMansory CyrusMansory Cyrus - Aston Martin DB9Mansory Cyrus DB9MansoryCyrusMansoryCyrus-AstonMartinDb9MansoryCyrusDb9 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:58:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Track-focused, budget-oriented Toyota FT-86 on the way]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/report-track-focused-budget-oriented-toyota-ft-86-on-the-way/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/report-track-focused-budget-oriented-toyota-ft-86-on-the-way/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/report-track-focused-budget-oriented-toyota-ft-86-on-the-way/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , ,

Toyota FT-86 Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

The latest issue of EVO hasn't dropped into our laps yet, but our favorite Brit pub apparently got the scoop on another variant of the Toyota FT-86 -- one that's supposedly track tuned and considerably cheaper than the model due to arrive in 2011.

Powered by the same Subaru-sourced, Toyota-tuned boxer four, this supposedly stripped out variant could dispatch some of the standard model's amenities and come equipped with upgraded brakes and suspension components specifically designed for track work and drifting duty. According to EVO, a fully optioned FT-86 would carry a price tag of around $27,000, while this budget-oriented performance model will retail for around $22,000 -- a similar setup to the Hyundai Genesis Coupe RSpec.

EVO goes on to report that Toyota's crosstown rivals are working on a one-make race series for the Honda CR-Z and plan to campaign the hybrid hatch at the 24 hours of Nurburgring enduro in May. The more the merrier we say...


Gallery: Toyota FT-86 Concept in the Studio


[Source: EVO via FT86Club via Jalopnik]

REPORT: Track-focused, budget-oriented Toyota FT-86 on the way originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> crzft-86ft86hondahonda cr-zhonda crzHondaCr-zHondaCrztoyotatoyota ft-86toyota ft86ToyotaFt-86ToyotaFt86 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:28:00 EST <![CDATA[McChip introduces Ford Focus RS with 401 horses - Are you lovin' it?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/mcchip-introduces-ford-focus-rs-with-401-horses-are-you-lovin/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/mcchip-introduces-ford-focus-rs-with-401-horses-are-you-lovin/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/mcchip-introduces-ford-focus-rs-with-401-horses-are-you-lovin/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

401-hp Ford Focus tuned Mcchip-dkr - Click above for high-res image gallery

There are few things we love more than hooning around in a vigorous, purebred sports car - and that's exactly how Mcchip-dkr describes its 401-horsepower Ford Focus RS. That's the Stage 2 version delivering the "whole-blood athlete," but if you want to work your way up to those heights, you can get the Stage 1 conversion for €799 ($1,142 USD). You'll take your hatch from 301 stock horsepower to 345 and bump torque by about 50 lb-ft to 383 with an ECU upgrade.

But if 401 is your lucky horsepower number and you like the sound of 457 lb-ft. of torque, then you'll need €4,499 ($6,421 U.S.). That pile of pounds will give you access to a new manifold, uprated intercooler, spark plugs, and a sports exhaust as well as the necessary ECU tweaks. Mcchip-dkr thankfully didn't do anything regrettable to the Focus RS' already terrific looks. What they've done with torque steer outside of the stock RS' trick Revoknuckle and limited-slip setup is anyone's guess.

Have a look at the press release after the jump, and there are more images of the car in the high-res gallery below.


Gallery: Mcchip-dkr Focus RS


[Source: Mcchip-dkr]

Continue reading McChip introduces Ford Focus RS with 401 horses - Are you lovin' it?

McChip introduces Ford Focus RS with 401 horses - Are you lovin' it? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2010 Focus RS2010FocusRsaftermarketfocus rsFocusRsford focusford focus rsFordFocusFordFocusRsmcchip-dkrmcchip-dkr ford focusMcchip-dkrFordFocus Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:59:00 EST <![CDATA[Tornados Touch Down: Gemballa releases another pair of tuned Porsche Cayennes]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/tornados-touch-down-gemballa-releases-another-pair-of-tuned-por/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/tornados-touch-down-gemballa-releases-another-pair-of-tuned-por/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/tornados-touch-down-gemballa-releases-another-pair-of-tuned-por/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Gemballa Tornado 750 GTS/4 and GT 500 Aero 3 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Aha - so that Enzo MIG-UI wasn't the only duotone beast that Gemballa was hiding. For an encore, try this: the Gemballa Tornado 750 GTS/4. Based on a Porsche Cayenne Turbo, the German tuner adds new headlights and a night vision system, more of that widebody-and-vents thing, with LEDs hidden in the vents ahead of the front wheels. The inside is bathed in leather, Alcantara, and carbon, and the rear bench is bisected by a center console. The package is lowered on 22-inch wheels and is powered by a 750-horsepower engine.

If you want to turn the volume on your tuned Cayenne down a bit, then try the Gemballa GT 500 Aero 3, which wears less ostentatious aero lowered over 22-inch wheels, a new exhaust, and a revised interior.

Both SUVs are slightly tweaked and repainted versions of the Tornado 750 GTS and GT 500 Aero 3 that Gemballa released earlier this year. You can have a look at both in the gallery of high-res photos below.


Gallery: Gemballa Tornado 750 GTS / 4


Gallery: Gemballa GT 500 Aero 3


[Source: Gemballa]

Tornados Touch Down: Gemballa releases another pair of tuned Porsche Cayennes originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2010 Cayenne2010 Porsche2010 Porsche Cayenne Turbo2010Cayenne2010Porsche2010PorscheCayenneTurboaftermarketcayennegemballagemballa gt 500 aero 3Gemballa Tornado 750 GTSGemballaGt500Aero3GemballaTornado750Gtsporscheporsche cayennePorsche Cayenne TurboPorsche tunerPorscheCayennePorscheCayenneTurboPorscheTunertuner Tue, 22 Dec 2009 12:58:00 EST <![CDATA[Aston Martin One-77 closes in on being fastest car in marque's history, breaks 220 mph]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/aston-martin-one-77-closes-in-on-being-fastest-car-in-marques-h/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/aston-martin-one-77-closes-in-on-being-fastest-car-in-marques-h/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/aston-martin-one-77-closes-in-on-being-fastest-car-in-marques-h/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Aston Martin One-77 development mule - click above for high-res image gallery

Move over Jaguar XJ220. At 217 mph, your top end is just too slow. Hell, move over Batmobile. Why? The Aston Martin One-77, Britain's most expensive car ever, is now nearly its fastest. If not for the pesky, eternal problem of the McLaren F1 and its 241 mph top end, the One-77 would be the fastest production car in the history of Old Blighty. As it stands, or in this case flies, a One-77 has just crested 220 mph.

Can the latest and no question greatest from Aston Martin go even faster? Probably, as AM was quick to point out, that the 220 mph velocity was achieved in "dry, but windy conditions." Never forget the amount of power this 7.3-liter V12 beastie makes - between 700 and 740 horsepower, and around 553 lb-ft of torque. For the sake of national pride, the McLaren F1 produced "just" 627 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. Obviously, the 2,514 pound F1 is much lighter than the 3,308 pound One-77, however, which actually makes 220 mph run all the more impressive.

0-60 mph? Quarter mile? Lateral acceleration? We don't know yet, but we do know that Aston Martin will keep us up to date as soon as all that information gets logged. For its part, the matte gray beauty you see above is at a "top secret proving ground in southern Europe" where its being flogged about in anticipation of the One-77's mid-2010 release. If not for the £1.25 million price tag (just shy of $2M Yankee bucks), we'd be losing sleep. Full press release after the jump.


Gallery: Aston Martin One-77 220 mph


[Source: Aston Martin]

Continue reading Aston Martin One-77 closes in on being fastest car in marque's history, breaks 220 mph

Aston Martin One-77 closes in on being fastest car in marque's history, breaks 220 mph originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 1-772011 Aston Martin 0ne-772011AstonMartin0ne-77astonAston MartinAston Martin One-77AstonMartinAstonMartinOne-77jaguar XJ220JaguarXj220McLaren F1MclarenF1One-77speed recordSpeedRecord Tue, 22 Dec 2009 10:57:00 EST <![CDATA[Detroit Preview: Cadillac to unveil new concept, production CTS-V Coupe]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/detroit-preview-cadillac-to-unveil-new-concept-production-cts/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/detroit-preview-cadillac-to-unveil-new-concept-production-cts/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/detroit-preview-cadillac-to-unveil-new-concept-production-cts/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Detroit-bound Cadillac Concept Teaser - Click above to enlarge

Under the typically dark veil of show-car secrecy, Cadillac has released a teaser image of a new concept that will be unveiled next month at the Detroit Auto Show. As you'd expect, details are slim, but we've been assured that this is an entirely new concept and something we've not yet seen, which rules out the Voltec-powered Converj as well as the 3 Series-fighting ATS.

Dissecting the teaser a bit, we're pretty sure we see four doors, and we'll take Caddy's word that its "latest concept advances the brand's Art & Science philosophy." Other than that, we're in the dark, but wouldn't be terribly surprised if it were either a hint at something high-performance, environmentally responsibility or both. It could also be a preview of a new range-topping model from GM's luxury division.

In addition to the unknown concept car, Cadillac also plans to introduce Detroit show-goers to the production version of its 2011 CTS-V Coupe. Expect that model to add the normal V-spec performance accouterments to the drop-dead stunning CTS Coupe shape that was just shown off in LA. That means 556 horsepower and 551 lb-feet of torque from a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine, a choice of automatic and manual six-speed transmissions, a sport suspension with Magnetic Ride Control and standard 19-inch alloy wheels. Production of the superfast two-door is slated for the summer of 2010.

There's not much more to say, but feel free to hit the jump for the official press release and be sure to gander at the concept's teaser image in high-res.

[Source: Cadillac]

Continue reading Detroit Preview: Cadillac to unveil new concept, production CTS-V Coupe

Detroit Preview: Cadillac to unveil new concept, production CTS-V Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> cadillaccadillac conceptcadillac cts coupeCadillac CTS-Vcadillac cts-v coupeCadillacConceptCadillacCts-vCadillacCts-vCoupeCadillacCtsCoupeCTSCTS Coupects vCTS-Vcts-v coupeCts-vCoupeCtsCoupeCtsVDetroitdetroit 2010detroit auto showDetroit2010DetroitAutoShowNAIASnaias 2010Naias2010North American International Auto ShowNorthAmericanInternationalAutoShow Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:01:00 EST <![CDATA[NSX no more: Honda HSV-10 GT ready to race in SuperGT]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/nsx-no-more-honda-hsv-10-gt-ready-to-race-in-supergt/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/nsx-no-more-honda-hsv-10-gt-ready-to-race-in-supergt/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/nsx-no-more-honda-hsv-10-gt-ready-to-race-in-supergt/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Honda HSV-10 GT - Click above for high-res image

The Honda NSX might be gone, but it's set to live on as the HSV-10 GT in Japan's SuperGT championship.

Although we don't have an official release or specs yet, we do have the image above and some preliminary details on the HSV-10 GT or Velocity Sports Honda. Built to the 2010 GT500 regulations, the new front/mid-engine racer from Honda is packing a 500+ hp, 3.4-liter V8 and sending power through the same Ricardo sequential manual gearbox fitted to the 2010 SuperGT cars from Nissan and Toyota. Underneath all that glorious carbon fiber is the same chassis Honda's been working on (originally as an NSX replacement) for the last two years. The SuperGT season opener is scheduled for March 20 and 21 of 2010, but we expect more details and a host of high-res images to hit soon. Stay tuned...

UPDATED with press release after the jump.

[Source: LeBlogAuto]

Continue reading NSX no more: Honda HSV-10 GT ready to race in SuperGT

NSX no more: Honda HSV-10 GT ready to race in SuperGT originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 22:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> breakinggt500hondahonda hsv-10 gthonda supergthonda supergt500HondaHsv-10GtHondaSupergtHondaSupergt500hsv 10 gthsv-10 gtHsv-10Gthsv10gtsupergt Mon, 21 Dec 2009 22:39:00 EST <![CDATA[Gemballa-tuned Enzo MIG-UI waiting for The Empire to strike back again]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/gemballa-tuned-enzo-mig-ui-waiting-for-the-empire-to-strike-back/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/gemballa-tuned-enzo-mig-ui-waiting-for-the-empire-to-strike-back/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/gemballa-tuned-enzo-mig-ui-waiting-for-the-empire-to-strike-back/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Ferrari Enzo MIG-UI by Gemballa -- Click above for image gallery

The black and white menace you see above was created for Gemballa's Middle East distributor, the Illyas and Mustafa Galadari Group, using Mustafa's personal Enzo as the subject. The roof scoop, jet-thruster-surrounds for the exhaust, and black rims are Gemballa hallmarks, on top of which the nose has been slightly sculpted and the hood sports a central scoop.

The widebody treatment has given Gemballa room to add new elements, like the vents up front and behind the wheels, the gills on the fenders, and stolen-from-a-Subie rear wing. Other Enzo features, like the side vents, have merely been massaged. The paint scheme, a far cry from the Middle East's de rigueur gold or chrome, is nothing short of arresting -- make of that what you will. We don't mind it.

The inside is rather subdued, comparatively speaking: black and quilted red leather, trimmed in red stitching and piping. We don't know anything else about the car at the moment -- seems the proud owners are holding back until it's officially rolled out, debutante style, to a waiting Dubai public. If anyone makes it to the unveiling, please let us know if it comes with a set of Imperial armor and an E-11 blaster...


Gallery: Gemballa Ferrari Enzo MIG-UI


[Source: TeamSpeed]

Gemballa-tuned Enzo MIG-UI waiting for The Empire to strike back again originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> aftermarketdubaienzoferrar enzoferrar enzo mig-uiFerrarEnzoFerrarEnzoMig-uigemballagemballa ferrari enzogemballa ferrari enzo mig-uiGemballaFerrariEnzoGemballaFerrariEnzoMig-uimiddle eastMiddleEasttuner Mon, 21 Dec 2009 20:00:00 EST <![CDATA[VIDEO: Leno gets a ride in the new McLaren MP4-12C]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/video-leno-actually-drives-the-new-mclaren-mp4-12c/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/video-leno-actually-drives-the-new-mclaren-mp4-12c/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/video-leno-actually-drives-the-new-mclaren-mp4-12c/#comments Filed under: , , , ,


Jay Leno getting a ride in the McLaren MP4-12C prototype - Click above to view the video after the jump

A month ago, Jay Leno got a glimpse behind the scenes at McLaren, where the late-night talk show host and car nut got a tour of the facility and had a chance to sit in an early version of the company's newest roadcar in the studio. While Jay was on the other side of the pond he even stopped in at Top Gear to do a lap in the Lacetti. Well, apparently he ran a couple of laps in another car while he was at the Top Gear Test Track too. One camo-covered McLaren MP4-12C prototype.

After the jump you can view a video of Leno ride along in the new McLaren supercar, wax poetic about the 12C's power, its handling and its totally bespoke construction. Jay even wrote up an article for The Times recalling his experience. Read here and watch here.


Gallery: McLaren MP4-12C

mp4_12c_011_2mp4_12c_010_2mp4_12c_012_2mp4_12c_014_2mp4_12c_015_2

[Source: Times Online]

Continue reading VIDEO: Leno gets a ride in the new McLaren MP4-12C

VIDEO: Leno gets a ride in the new McLaren MP4-12C originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> baby McLarenBabyMclarenjay lenoJayLenolenomclarenMcLaren MP4-12CMclarenMp4-12cMP4-12Ctop gearTopGear Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:24:00 EST