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Last Updated: Jul 29th, 2007 - 23:05:38 |
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Formula One is Done at Indy
It's the end of an era at Indy, where, after just eight years of hosting Formula One, Bernie and his boys are packing up the trailers and heading out for good. The past few years have been plagued with a lot of issues and arguments, so its understandable that things have gone sour between the track and the racing league. No word on whether another American track will find its way onto the schedule, but rumors say that Las Vegas and New York are being considered. Discuss this in our message forums >
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Jul 12, 2007, 09:49
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Corvette Blue Devil To Use Automatic Transmission
Fed up with the many rumors circulating about the upcoming SuperCorvette--"It's going to be called the Blue SS Devil Sting Ray Z07! "Four turbochargers and twenty-four cylinders!"--Popular Mechanics walked into Michigan's largest Corvette dealer and asked for the skinny. We're not sure how much force was used, but Jim Dunne managed to pry out some pretty juicy details--the most shocking one being that GM doesn't have a manual transmission that can handle the 'Vette's power. Therefore, it will only be offered with a paddle-shifted automatic.
As previous reports have claimed, the car will cost more than $100,000, or the equivalent of nine Chevy Aveos that live at the other end of Chevy's price spectrum. Will its introduction bring the end of the Z06's run? That's still unclear. But dealers are already taking orders for the 1500 cars that will be sold in each of the new car's two years it will be sold. Discuss this in our message forums >
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Jul 12, 2007, 09:00
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First Blurry, Pixelated Shot of 2009 Volkswagen Minivan Surfaces
Volkswagen decided to give its dealers a preview of the upcoming Chrysler-based minivan, and that was a bad move--someone managed to take a picture of a picture, and that picture has now hit the internet. It's small and quite pixelated, but it does provide us some idea of the overall shape and design of the van. Styling can be described as a blend between other Volkswagens, with a bit of the Honda Odyssey's clean look showing through as inspiration in some areas, such as the rear hatch. Click the headline above to see the full photo in our forums.
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Jul 11, 2007, 13:30
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Spy Shots: Infiniti EX Keeps Concept's Curves
Infiniti has kept its EX crossover under wraps pretty well since April's New York show, but one keen-eyed vacationer finally managed to spot this mule in California. As you can see, it looks almost as if Infinti simply covered the original concept with black tape and drove it right off the show floor. Mounted on the grille is what we assume is part of the "Around View" system, which we're eager to see in the real world. Watch for undisguised EX mules to surface soon, as the car is expected to hit dealers before the end of 2007. Discuss this in our message forums >
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Jul 11, 2007, 12:06
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Honda Diesel V-6 Confirmed for 2010
When American Honda's first diesel V-6 is ready for production in 2010, we won't see its launch under the hood of an SUV as many have suspected. According to the Nikkei News, which is usually right about all things Japanese automotive, the Odyssey minivan will be the first recipient. With that said, Honda will quickly fit it into the Pilot and Ridgeline as well, and Acura may use the engine to help compete with its German rivals. Odds are, an Accord diesel isn't too far off, either.
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Jul 11, 2007, 08:14
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Fast Ford Fusion to Fight For Fuel Cell Speed Record
At Bonneville's speed week, taking place in August, Ford plans to join the fun by reviving and old name to set a new record. The Fusion Hydrogen 999 harkens back to Henry Ford's 999 racer, in which he set a land speed record of 91.37 mph on a frozen-over Lake St. Clair in 1904. A century later, the target is slightly higher. Ford hopes to be the first manufacturer to break 200 mph with a fuel cell-powered vehicle--the lowered, more aerodynamic Fusion you see here. It was developed in collaboration with Roush, Ballard, and, unfortunately, students from Ohio State University (hopefully that didn't hurt the project too much). All joking aside, we wish Ford and its partners the best of luck, and will be watching when speed week comes around. Discuss this in our message forums >
Jul 11, 2007, 07:30
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The Sky Is Falling! KW Coilovers for Saturn's Sportster
Other than the nutjob mental home escapees at Mallett who shoehorn Corvette V-8s into Skys and Solstices, there aren't many options for owners of GM's topless twins who want to steal a few car lengths over other owners. KW suspensions has now come to the rescue, releasing a coilover kit for Kappa cars, shown here on a European Opel GT. The stainless steel V3 kit bolts in to lower the car as much as 40 mm at the front and 45 mm at the rear. KW's V3 suspension allows drivers to separately adjust pressue and rebound damping, which translates into a high degree of customization potential for those touchy trackrats trying to find the ultimate setup. Discuss this in our message forums >
Jul 10, 2007, 13:44
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You Tease! Mitsubishi Announces S-AWC, Twin Clutch SST Details
This morning, tech geeks woke to find quite a treat from Mitsubishi. While many details of the upcoming Lancer Evo X are still in the shadows, two of the car's most exciting systems have now been confirmed and detailed--Super All-Wheel Control and the Twin Clutch Sport Shift Transmission.
For the first system, the key word is active: Active yaw control, an active center differential, and active stability control all work in harmony to make what promises to be one of the best-performing all-wheel-drive systems ever made. Let the Acura SH-AWD vs. Mitsubishi S-AWC arguments begin.
The transmission won't be a talking point of Acura lovers, though, but of the VW faithful. Like that company's DSG gearbox, Mitsubishi's Twin Clutch SST uses, as the name impies, two electronically activated clutches (first, third, and fifth gear working off of one, second, fourth, and sixth off of the other) to perform lightning-quick, paddle-activated shifts. Three settings--normal, sport, and s-sport--will control throttle response and shift points. Read the full release after the jump. Discuss this in our message forums >
Jul 10, 2007, 08:06
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Gordon Murray's Type 25: Smaller Than Smart, Cheaper, too.
McLaren F1 designer Gordon Murray is reluctant to say much about his latest project, a small city car that he claims will turn the automotive world on its head. He has, however, revealed a few goals. According to Autocar, the car will cost around $10,000 when it goes on sale in three years, with production set for 100,000 units each year. As many as fourteen different body variants could potentally be released.
Murray won't give any design details, simply saying that "You don't sit normally in it, you don't get in and out normally, and you don't load luggage in the normal way." He also claims that the T25 will be so cheap to run that the purchase price will be recouped within four years of ownership. We hope he's right--we'll buy three. Discuss this in our message forums >
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Jul 9, 2007, 10:47
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Ignore the Wheels, But US-Spec Audi R8 Spotted at Lime Rock
The attentive eyes over at Fourtitude were in action at Lime Rock this past weekend, where one of the first U.S.-spec Audi R8s was making a quiet appearance. The less-than-attractive 18-inch base wheels won't be available in the States, but our cars will wear the colored side markers and they apparently won't have the center-mounted rear fog light. Can you spot any other differences?
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Jul 9, 2007, 09:42
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Apocalypse, Meet the Earthroamer XV-JP
Even with the power-folding, roof-mounted tent, we don't quite understand how there's room to fit all of the Earthroamer XV-JP's features inside what is, at its core, just a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. This thing has a forced air furnace, engine-heated hot water tank, shower, toilet, refrigerator, and an air compressor. Everything you'd need for a lovely weekend getaway, or to survive the day of reckoning. Click through for more at Earthroamer's website, and make sure to check out the "XV-JP in Action" section. Discuss this in our message forums >
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Jul 9, 2007, 09:03
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Let The Games Begin: 2008 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Announced
Compared to the media coverage of the Cadillac CTS-V and BMW M3, the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG has gone relatively unnoticed. Sure, there's been a spy photo here and there, but the wild speculation and random test car sightings have been minimal. So it seems fitting that the car made its official debut on a day when most Americans are out hearing the bang of fireworks, not dreaming of a highly-technological V-8's rumble.
Or maybe the lack of hype has been because the C63's specs--while incredible--were somewhat predictable right from the start. Under the two power bulges of the hood sits the same 6.2-liter engine found throughout the AMG range, detuned to 451 hp as to not creep too closely to the E63, and 443 lb-ft of torque. A 0-60 figure of 4.5 seconds is in line with the rest of the family, too.
Mercedes has spoken softly about this new addition to the line-up, but it will indeed carry an adequately large stick to stir up the greatest sports sedan shootout of our time. It goes on sale here in the States next spring. Discuss this in our message forums >
Jul 5, 2007, 07:23
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Cadillac CTS-V Rumor, Part 145: AWD?
With no major auto shows from May through August, the summer months are the perfect time to throw wild speculation out into the interwebs, then just sit back and watch everyone eat it up like starved wolves. This year, the biggest, juiciest piece of meat is the upcoming Cadillac CTS-V which, by next month, may have two jet engines, three hybrid powertains, and a set of wings.
For now, though, a more sensible but still new rumor: Car magazine has posted a new article about the upcoming Super Caddy, and like many others, believe that a Corvette Z06 engine will be fitted under the hood--sorry, its "bonnet" for the Car boys--but the Brit mag is now saying that the V will use all-wheel-drive to make it more driveable in inclement weather. Hey, I guess anything is possible at this point. Discuss this in our message forums >
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Jul 3, 2007, 08:59
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How Many Alfas? Three. When? Spring 2009.
Alright, well now that we've gotten the most important details out there, here's the scoop. According to multiple sources, including Motor Trend, Fiat Group boss Sergio Marchionne will continue to move along at his "I mean business" pace, bumping Alfa's return to the U.S. from Fall of 2009 to Spring of that same year. As we've previously reported, the stunning 8C Competizione will carry the torch for the brand, but now we can confirm that the Brera and Spider will join the 8C at Ferrari/Maserati dealerships two years from now.
Both of those cars use a shortened 159 sedan plaform. They're powered by a 260-hp, 3.2-liter version of GM's high-feature 3.6-liter, but its rumored that the U.S. cars could get displacement and horsepower bumps because of their heavy all-wheel drive platform. If Alfa finds success here, expect the 159 sedan to make it to our country as well. Discuss this in our message forums >
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Jul 3, 2007, 08:02
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Swedish Public Transportation Now Running On Confiscated Booze
Unlike American police officers, who crush Honda Civics or pump kegs dry to "set an example," the Swedish are quite progressive in their disposal of confiscated goods, specifically in relation to untaxed alcohol seized at the borders. According to MSNBC, Sweden turned almost 185,000 gallons of smuggled alcohol into alternative fuel to power buses, trucks, and even a biogas train, last year. No, the conversion is not incredibly efficient--it takes one gallon of pure alcohol to make a tenth of that amount of biofuel--but when the starting product is free, that doesn't really matter. Pretty smart, if you ask me. Discuss this in our message forums >
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Jul 2, 2007, 13:57
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BBS Wheels Sold To Punch International
For decades, BBS has been regarded as one of the premier and most innovative brands in the wheel industry. It has been the wheel of choice for BMW, Ferrari, Maserati, and a number of other brands for years. But unfortunately, rising aluminum prices and recent and unprofitable ventures in the volume car segment led to BBS' fall from grace, as the company went bankrupt last month. The endless copying of designs by other companies and the countless "BeeBeeS" knock-offs available on Ebay probably didn't help, either.
Things appear to be on the up again over at BBS now, as Punch International, a Belgian holdings company, will take ownership on August first. The company announced that it plans to return BBS to the more profitable premium segment, doing away with volume vehicle contracts. Punch, which also owns ZF, has expressed plans to build a new hybrid vehicle, and sees BBS (and particularly its patented "air-inside" technology) as a valuable asset in that venture. We're just excited that the future of beautiful wheels seems safe once again. Discuss this in our message forums >
Jul 2, 2007, 12:17
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Techart GTstreet, Now in Delicious Lime Flavor!
The car itself isn't the news here--the Techart GTstreet 997 was actually introduced a few months back at the Geneva Auto Salon. Don't get us wrong; it's still quite awesome, but we've seen it before. What we haven't seen is the GT3 RS-inspired lime green paint scheme, or shots of the car out in the wild and in motion. Techart, one of the world's foremost Porsche tuning firms, definitely managed to make a beautiful machine even more stunning. See more pictures by clicking the headline above. Discuss this in our message forums >
Jul 2, 2007, 11:06
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Boning up on Your Tranformer Knowledge Before Monday's Movie Premiere
Unless you’ve been living on another planet, Cybertron excepted, we doubt you’’ve missed the hype surrounding the new Transformers movie. CGI technology and big budget, undoubtedly helped by product placement clams from GM, have re-created the Transformers universe in a way pre-pubescent boys in the mid 80s could only fantasize about. In those days when playing Pole Position on your Atari passed for a realistic driving experience, the idea of a live-action Transformers movie that didn’t suck would have been unfathomable.
Jul 1, 2007, 09:00
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Hamann Gives Murcielago LP640 More Edge
Giving a car like the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 more edge is like telling a Dukes of Hazzard-buff Jessica Simpson that she needs breast augmentation. This begs the question: Can you really improve on something as buxom as the LP640, or are you left with a boob of a Lambo? It seems that German tuner Hamann thinks there’s room for improvement, carbon fiber implants and all.
Jul 1, 2007, 08:36
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Chrysler Survey Finds That 72 Percent of Americans Can't Put Two and Two Together
It doesn't take multiple advanced degrees to decipher the origins of the names our society gives to most common items. A water bottle, for example, is obviously called that because it is used to hold water. Or a loudspeaker maybe--it allows people to speak louder. The same holds true in the automotive world. A trunk is called that because at one time, cars actually had removable trunks mounted at the rear. And headlights, well, they light up what's ahead.
Until today, we categorized "glove box" as one of these words. While it may not be as true today, that small compartment was, in fact, designed to hold gloves. But according to a survey conducted by Chrysler, 72 percent of Americans are unaware of that fact. What's more disturbing is that 44 percent of those among us may as well call it the "Please steal my car and get off scot-free box," because that's where they keep their vehicle titles.
Of course, no study would be complete without a bit of PR spin, so here you go: "The survey reinforced the Dodge brand’s move to revolutionize, or modernize, uses of today’s glove box by expanding the area to include the Chill Zone™ chilled beverage storage bin in the all-new 2008 Dodge Avenger. In fact, 88 percent of people surveyed said they would store chilled water or juice in their glove box if there was a compartment to keep beverages cooled. . ."
Well done, Chrysler. To make one small point, you've drastically lowered our hope for the success of mankind. Discuss this in our message forums >
Jun 29, 2007, 13:41
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