Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Detroit 2008: BMW's twin-turbo 4.4L V8]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/21/detroit-2008-bmws-twin-turbo-4-4l-v8/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/21/detroit-2008-bmws-twin-turbo-4-4l-v8/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/21/detroit-2008-bmws-twin-turbo-4-4l-v8/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



BMW's twin-turbo 3.0L inline-six has been a rousing success, with nothing less than a Wards 10 Best Engines award sitting in its trophy case. The praise is understandable and well-deserved, as the engine uses a combination of forced induction and direct injection to serve up a torque curve that's far beefier and flatter than what should be expected from a engine of its size. So what next for the propeller brand? Simple -- take similar technology, add it to the company's 4.4L V8 and toss in a dash of unconventional packaging to make everything fit.

BMW put its latest jewel on display at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, and we snapped some shots of it to give you an idea of why this engine is so special. We've included those photos in one of our galleries, and below the fold, we've thrown in a few observations.

Gallery: Detroit 2008: BMW 4.4L V8 twin-turbo

Continue reading Detroit 2008: BMW's twin-turbo 4.4L V8

Detroit 2008: BMW's twin-turbo 4.4L V8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Jan 2008 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BMWdirect injectionturbotwin-turboV8X5X6Mon, 21 Jan 2008 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit 2008: Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 - supercharged LS9 cutaway display]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/15/detroit-2008-chevrolet-ls9-cutaway-display/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/15/detroit-2008-chevrolet-ls9-cutaway-display/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/15/detroit-2008-chevrolet-ls9-cutaway-display/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Yea, we know - the automotive press has featured a whole bunch of Corvette ZR1 content lately (including us!), and readers are probably getting a bit tired. However, we figure that a cutaway of the mighty supercharged LS9 should be interesting enough to justify yet another post on the revived King of the Hill.

Painted in monochrome silver as GM is wont to do, this particular display isn't particularly photogenic. Still, we were able to capture some details that aren't easily observed in 2D drawing or press releases, so click through the jump for a variety of shots.

Gallery: 2008 Detroit: Corvette ZR1 LS9 engine cutaway

Continue reading Detroit 2008: Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 - supercharged LS9 cutaway display

Detroit 2008: Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 - supercharged LS9 cutaway display originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jan 2008 19:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CorvetteDetroitDetroit Auto ShowGenIVLS9NAIASsuperchargedV8ZR1Tue, 15 Jan 2008 19:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit R8: Deciphering the Audi V12 TDI]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/15/detroit-r8-deciphering-the-audi-v12-tdi/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/15/detroit-r8-deciphering-the-audi-v12-tdi/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/15/detroit-r8-deciphering-the-audi-v12-tdi/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



With Audi's introduction of the Audi R8 V12 TDI, we got to look at the most unique aspect of this supercar - its diesel engine. Compression-ignition motors may be commonplace everywhere else in the transportation world, but they haven't yet infiltrated the supercar segment. This is no accident, as until now, diesels have offered a poor ratio between power output and weight - not a big problem for cruise ships and the like, but definitely an obstacle to recruiting a high-performance customer. So, how did Audi get around this problem? We've got a gallery full of shots showing the naughty details (you can access it by clicking the photo above or the link below), and if you go below the fold, we'll walk you through what we observed of the engine on display.

Gallery: 2008 Detroit: Audi V12 TDI cutaways

Continue reading Detroit R8: Deciphering the Audi V12 TDI

Detroit R8: Deciphering the Audi V12 TDI originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jan 2008 13:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008AudicutawayDetroit, Auto ShowDetroit,AutoShowdieselTDIV12Tue, 15 Jan 2008 13:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit 2008: Corvette ZR1 chassis display]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/14/detroit-2008-corvette-zr1-chassis-display/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/14/detroit-2008-corvette-zr1-chassis-display/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/14/detroit-2008-corvette-zr1-chassis-display/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



As gorgeous as the 2009 Corvette ZR1 may be on the outside, it's what is under the skin that gets our blood pumping. Fortunately, GM stripped down its new supercar to the bare essentials and put it on display here at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show.

You can access our gallery of ZR1 chassis photos by clicking on the photo above. We've also got commentary on what you're looking at after the jump.

Gallery: Detroit 2008: Corvette ZR1 chassis display

Continue reading Detroit 2008: Corvette ZR1 chassis display

Detroit 2008: Corvette ZR1 chassis display originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jan 2008 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chassisChevroletChevyCorvetteCorvette ZR1detroitDetroit 2008Detroit Auto ShowDetroit2008LS9ZR1Mon, 14 Jan 2008 19:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit 2008: Honda gives us a peek at the i-DTEC clean diesel]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/14/detroit-2008-honda-gives-us-a-peek-at-the-i-dtec-clean-diesel/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/14/detroit-2008-honda-gives-us-a-peek-at-the-i-dtec-clean-diesel/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/14/detroit-2008-honda-gives-us-a-peek-at-the-i-dtec-clean-diesel/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



We've been hearing about Honda's upcoming clean diesel for quite some time now, and the automaker was kind enough to show a cutaway of the i-DTEC clean diesel for us at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show. Expect to see the engine appear first in an upcoming and unnamed Acura product around 2009 - but while you may have to wait over a year for the engine, you can see some cutaways of it right now in our photo gallery below. Click past the jump for some brief commentary on what we learned about Honda's i-DTEC clean diesel in Detroit.

Gallery: Honda i-DTEC engine cutaway

Continue reading Detroit 2008: Honda gives us a peek at the i-DTEC clean diesel

Detroit 2008: Honda gives us a peek at the i-DTEC clean diesel originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jan 2008 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Acuracleanclean dieselcommon-raildieselgreenHondai-DTECMon, 14 Jan 2008 15:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit 2008: The Cadillac Provoq shows its face in the Midwest]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/14/detroit-2008-the-cadillac-provoq-shows-its-face-in-the-midwest/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/14/detroit-2008-the-cadillac-provoq-shows-its-face-in-the-midwest/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/14/detroit-2008-the-cadillac-provoq-shows-its-face-in-the-midwest/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


click above for more live high-res images of the Cadillac Provoq Concept

We've already covered Cadillac's Provoq E-Flex fuel-cell vehicle during its first public appearance at the Consumer Electronics Show last week, but GM also rolled it across the stage here in Detroit. There were no additional technical details or hints towards production plans (either for the E-Flex powertrain or the BRX crossover that this design represents), but we at least got to spend a few minutes up close and personal with the concept to snap some shots of the whiter-than-the-pure-driven-snow interior. Also note the chromed cowl vent. Oh, and the Provoq wears what has to be the skinniest tires we've seen on a concept car in recent memory.

Gallery: Detroit 2008: Cadillac Provoq concept - Live Reveal


Gallery: Detroit 2008: Cadillac Provoq concept - Live Reveal

Detroit 2008: The Cadillac Provoq shows its face in the Midwest originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jan 2008 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CaddyCadillacDetroitdetroit 2008Detroit Auto ShowDetroit2008E-Flexfuel cellhydrogenNAIASProvoqMon, 14 Jan 2008 13:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit 2008: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V unveiling w/ live shots]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/14/detroit-2008-cadillac-cts-v-unveiling-w-live-shots/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/14/detroit-2008-cadillac-cts-v-unveiling-w-live-shots/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/14/detroit-2008-cadillac-cts-v-unveiling-w-live-shots/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Update: Video of the CTS-V live reveal are available after the jump.

Click the photo above for a gallery of live shots

If you look at the picture above, you can easily imagine Maximum Bob shouting, "I told you folks that it'd be <bleeping> spectacular!" Those of course were not his exact words during the intro of the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V, but the sentiment was approximately the same.

We've already covered the technical details, but in case anyone has been disconnected from the world for the past week, here's what is important - 550 HP and 550 lb-ft of torque from the supercharged LSA 6.2L V8, huge Brembo brakes front and rear, Magnetic Ride Control suspension, and a choice of a manual or automatic (each carrying six forward ratios). Huge Michelin Pilot radials wrap the 19" wheels, and inside are a pair of seriously sporty Recaro buckets with 14-way adjustment. If there has ever been a four-door embodiment of the Corvette spirit, this is it.

We've already started behaving well, just in case Santa is thinking of bringing us one next Christmas. Rest assured, though, that our behavior behind the wheel of the CTS-V would earn us several years of coal in our stocking along with a revoked driver's license - and it'd be worth it.

Gallery: Detroit 2008: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V - Live Reveal


Gallery: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V

Continue reading Detroit 2008: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V unveiling w/ live shots

Detroit 2008: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V unveiling w/ live shots originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jan 2008 10:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Auto ShowCaddyCadillacCTSCTS-VDetroitdetroit 2008Detroit Auto ShowDetroit2008DetroitAutoShowLSAsedansuperchargedMon, 14 Jan 2008 10:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit 2008: Dodge Caravan R/T Concept spotted!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/14/detroit-2008-dodge-caravan-r-t-concept-spotted/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/14/detroit-2008-dodge-caravan-r-t-concept-spotted/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/14/detroit-2008-dodge-caravan-r-t-concept-spotted/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


click above for more images of the Dodge Caraven R/T Concept

Tucked away among its more pedestrian brethren was Dodge's Caravan R/T concept. We have no details on the powertrain or what else may lie beneath its skin, but the appearance changes are rather obvious. Sporting 20" forged Alcoa wheels and 245/45-20 Goodyear Eagle RS-A rubber, the fast family hauler sits just a bit lower to the ground, as well (we suggest telling your significant other that this feature makes it easier for the kids to get in and out of the vehicle). A scooped hood feeds air to whatever powerplant resides underneath, and a dual exhaust out back facilitates the removal of spent combustion gases. Inside, white-faced gages communicate information to the driver, and each occupant gets two-tone leather buckets with bright-red stitching.

We have no idea when such a vehicle might hit the showrooms, so direct your requests, complaints, and begging towards your nearest Chrysler representative.

Gallery: Dodge Caravan R/T concept

Detroit 2008: Dodge Caravan R/T Concept spotted! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jan 2008 08:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CaravanCaravan R/TCaravan RTChryslerDodgemini-vanminivanMon, 14 Jan 2008 08:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit 2008: BMW announces pricing for BMW 1 Series Convertible]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/13/detroit-2008-bmw-announces-pricing-for-bmw-1-series-convertible/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/13/detroit-2008-bmw-announces-pricing-for-bmw-1-series-convertible/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/13/detroit-2008-bmw-announces-pricing-for-bmw-1-series-convertible/#commentsFiled under: , ,


click above for more high-res live shots of the BMW 1 Series Convertible

The final reveal in BMW's three-movement press conference was a drop-top version of its perfectly-sized 1 Series. While some in the audience might have preferred that the preceding female dancers had instead lost their tops, this vehicle was not a bad consolation prize.

Available in naturally-aspirated (128i) and forced-induction (135i) flavors, the 1 Series 'vert offers wind-in-your-face motoring in a mere 22 seconds by virtue of its electrohydraulic power soft top. Technical goodies abound, such as VALVETRONIC, an on-demand electric water pump that uses only 1/10th the power of a standard water pump and only runs when required, and pop-up roll bars to protect the occupants in case the vehicle goes rubber-side up. Additionally, the 135i gets an electronically-controlled limited slip differential to help cope with its additional 70 HP, as well as six-piston calipers up front to bleed off all of that speed.

BMW made note of the boat-like shape of the "shoulder" (the character line just below the 1 Series' beltline), and we gotta admit that it looks this way in person. More important than how design features are described is how well the overall package works, and the 1 Series is indeed attractive as a convertible. Consider approved by Autoblog. A variety of M Series options are available on both cars to spruce up the exterior and interior, with the 135i already getting a version of the M Aerodynamics Package as standard equipment.

Oh yeah, the price: the 128i Convertible will start at $33,875 while the hopped up 135i will break your bank at $39,875. Yikes!

Gallery: 2009 BMW 1-series convertible

Continue reading Detroit 2008: BMW announces pricing for BMW 1 Series Convertible

Detroit 2008: BMW announces pricing for BMW 1 Series Convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Jan 2008 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1 Series1-series128i135iAuto ShowBMWconvertibleDetroitdetroit 2008Detroit2008Sun, 13 Jan 2008 17:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit 2008: BMW unwraps the production X6]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/13/detroit-2008-bmw-unwraps-the-production-x6/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/13/detroit-2008-bmw-unwraps-the-production-x6/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/13/detroit-2008-bmw-unwraps-the-production-x6/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


click above to view more high-res images of the BMW X6

Dropping the "concept" descriptor that it carried in Frankfurt, the BMW X6 was just revealed at the Detroit Auto Show in full production trim. Not surprisingly, it's almost identical to what we saw in Frankfurt, with a sharply-raked backlight and hatchback replacing the squared-off rump of the X5. BMW likes to describe it as a blend between a coupe and a crossover, which leads us to ask - is it possible to crossover from something that's already a crossover? Does this mean that it's been double-crossed? The mind boggles.

Follow the jump for our first impression...

Gallery: New York 2008: 2009 BMW X6 - Live

Continue reading Detroit 2008: BMW unwraps the production X6

Detroit 2008: BMW unwraps the production X6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Jan 2008 16:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4.4LBMWCUVDetroitDetroit Auto ShowSUVturbotwin-turboX5X6xDriveSun, 13 Jan 2008 16:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit 2008: Live intro of the 2009 Ford F-150]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/13/detroit-2008-live-intro-of-the-2009-ford-f-150/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/13/detroit-2008-live-intro-of-the-2009-ford-f-150/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/13/detroit-2008-live-intro-of-the-2009-ford-f-150/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


click above for high-res live shots of the 2009 Ford F-150

We already brought you official photography of the newly-revamped 2009 Ford F-150 just after midnight today, but that's hardly enough attention for America's best-selling vehicle. Now that the Blue Oval boys have rolled out the new truck into Cobo Arena - with help from Toby Keith and a cast of characters - we see little reason to think that the F-series won't retain its crown.

Improving the F-150 "truck-ness" are several features, such as the tailgate step that we appreciated so much on larger Super Duty, and new fold-down steps that can be accessed from the side of the truck. Considering how deep the box is on this truck, the steps will definitely come in handy on the ranch or at the grocery store.

Ford's slick Integrated Trailer Brake Controller is now available on a half-ton truck for the first time, and Trailer Sway Control helps keep the vehicle on the road while towing so that hopefully you won't need to experience the effectiveness of Roll Stability Control and side-curtain airbags. Tow and payload ratings are as-yet announced; we expect to hear more by the Chicago Auto Show next month.

More after the jump...

Gallery: Detroit 2008: 2009 Ford F-150 - Live Reveal

Continue reading Detroit 2008: Live intro of the 2009 Ford F-150

Detroit 2008: Live intro of the 2009 Ford F-150 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Jan 2008 12:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingDetroit Auto ShowF-150F-seriesF150FordFord F-150Ford F150FordF-150FordF150NAIASpickuppickup trucktruckSun, 13 Jan 2008 12:24:00 EST<![CDATA[2008 Porsche 911 GT2 introduction: The world's best seats]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/16/2008-porsche-911-gt2-introduction-the-worlds-best-seats/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/16/2008-porsche-911-gt2-introduction-the-worlds-best-seats/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/16/2008-porsche-911-gt2-introduction-the-worlds-best-seats/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Even with the world-class handling and amazing power of the 2008 Porsche GT2, a relatively mundane component stood out - the seats. Yeah, we didn't expect to come back from Daytona and do an entire post just on seating technology, but yet here it is. Then again, maybe it's OK to be so fascinated by these chairs, as they're they #1 interface between driver and vehicle.

Live Photos Copyright (C)2007 Eric Bryant / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading 2008 Porsche 911 GT2 introduction: The world's best seats

2008 Porsche 911 GT2 introduction: The world's best seats originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Nov 2007 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>911 GT2911 turbofeaturedGTIIPASMporscheporsche 911Porsche MotorsportPSMRennsportRennsport IIIturbo GT2Fri, 16 Nov 2007 12:02:00 EST<![CDATA[2008 Porsche 911 GT2 introduction: Engine technology]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/13/2008-porsche-911-gt2-introduction-engine-technology/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/13/2008-porsche-911-gt2-introduction-engine-technology/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/13/2008-porsche-911-gt2-introduction-engine-technology/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Squeezing 480 HP from a 3.6L flat-six is an impressive feat, and the latest 911 Turbo does it with a level of sophistication, refinement, and reliability that would have been thought impossible just a few years ago. Everything is relative, though, and "more" is always the operative word when it comes to Porsche's GT2. So, how does one squeeze fifty additional ponies from an such a powerplant? Considering all the different challenges - emissions, durability, drivability, and fuel economy - it's certainly not an easy task. Fortunately, Porsche has no small amount of experience squeezing more power from turbocharged boxers, and that knowledge was put to good use on the new 2008 GT2.

Gallery: 2008 Porsche GT2 intro

Continue reading 2008 Porsche 911 GT2 introduction: Engine technology

2008 Porsche 911 GT2 introduction: Engine technology originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Nov 2007 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008 porsche 911 gt22008 porsche gt22008Porsche911Gt22008PorscheGt2911 GT2 engine technology911Gt2EngineTechnologyfeaturedporsche 911 GT2porsche gt2porsche gt2 enginePorsche911Gt2PorscheGt2PorscheGt2EngineTue, 13 Nov 2007 13:03:00 EST<![CDATA[2008 Porsche 911 GT2 introduction: Suspension technology]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/12/2008-porsche-911-gt2-introduction-suspension-technology/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/12/2008-porsche-911-gt2-introduction-suspension-technology/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/12/2008-porsche-911-gt2-introduction-suspension-technology/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



While the incredible power output of the new Porsche GT2 gets plenty of attention, it's the suspension and braking systems that should be receiving credit for making this vehicle something other than just a straight-line terror.

At the GT2's North American introduction, we had the opportunity not just to try out the hardware on the track, but also to discuss it in detail with GT2 Product Engineer Carsten Schebsdat and Porsche Motorsports head Hartmut Kristen. These gentlemen were in the pits with some examples of their work, and described the subsystems with all the enthusiasm of a proud parent.

Gallery: 2008 Porsche GT2 intro

Continue reading 2008 Porsche 911 GT2 introduction: Suspension technology

2008 Porsche 911 GT2 introduction: Suspension technology originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Nov 2007 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008 porsche 911 GT22008Porsche911Gt2GT2 suspensionGt2SuspensionMon, 12 Nov 2007 13:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Pinch Us: Autoblog drives the 2008 Porsche GT2]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/06/pinch-us-autoblog-drives-the-2008-porsche-gt2/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/06/pinch-us-autoblog-drives-the-2008-porsche-gt2/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/06/pinch-us-autoblog-drives-the-2008-porsche-gt2/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



It's just before noon on a Thursday morning as I saunter down pit row at Daytona International Speedway and slide into the supportive sport bucket seat of a 2008 Porsche 911 GT2. I fiddle a bit with the seat and steering column adjustments until I'm comfortable, then double-check that my seatbelt is secured. It's hot and humid, but that's not why I'm perspiring - this cold sweat is a sign that my body's survival instincts are on edge, and for good reason. Fortunately, I've received personalized instruction from a quartet of legendary drivers and a complete technical briefing courtesy of Porsche Motorsports engineers, and there's little left to be learned without actually driving the car. I depress the heavily-weighted clutch pedal, muscle the short-throw shifter into 1st gear, bring the revs up, and...

A typical car-nut daydream? No - this was Autoblog's trip to the North American introduction of the third-generation Porsche 911 GT2. The folks from Zuffenhausen brought their latest no-holds-barred supercar to Daytona Beach, and allowed a select group of journalists to compare this latest effort to two other very capable 911 variants - the Turbo Coupe and GT3.

Gallery: 2008 Porsche GT2 intro


Porsche provided the vehicles for testing. Autoblog does not accept travel or lodging from automakers when attending media events.

Live Photos Copyright (C)2007 Eric Bryant / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Pinch Us: Autoblog drives the 2008 Porsche GT2

Pinch Us: Autoblog drives the 2008 Porsche GT2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Nov 2007 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>911 GT2911 turbofeaturedGTIIPASMporscheporsche 911Porsche MotorsportPSMRennsportRennsport IIIturbo GT2Tue, 06 Nov 2007 12:01:00 EST<![CDATA[In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Ford F-150 Harley-Davidson]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/11/in-the-autoblog-garage-2007-ford-f-150-harley-davidson/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/11/in-the-autoblog-garage-2007-ford-f-150-harley-davidson/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/11/in-the-autoblog-garage-2007-ford-f-150-harley-davidson/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click on the photo above for our photo gallery of the 2007 Ford F-150 Harley-Davidson

Ah, how we miss Ford's second-generation Lightning. By infusing an F-150 with 380 HP of supercharged 5.4L fury and selecting suspension components that were up to the task of harnessing such power, the Special Vehicle Team (SVT) redefined the sport truck genre and sent the competition scrambling to build worthy competitors. In 2003, the Lightning gained a big brother in the form of the supercharged crew-cab wearing Harley-Davidson livery, but unfortunately, SVT's run came to an end a year later, and with it disappeared the blown Ford trucks.

Fast-forward to the present - the Harley-Davidson package has transitioned back to the F-150 after a brief flirtation with the Super Duty line-up (featuring one of the most garish paint packages in recent history), and forced induction has yet again found its way back into the fold. Now packing 450 horsepower and the blackest color scheme imaginable, we recently got a chance to spend a few days with what is currently the most powerful pickup truck available.

Gallery: 2007 Ford F-150 Harley-Davidson Autoblog Garage

Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Ford F-150 Harley-Davidson

In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Ford F-150 Harley-Davidson originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jul 2007 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5.4Lautoblog garageF-150featuredFordgarageH-DHarley-DavidsonLightningmotorcyclesuperchargedSVTTritonWed, 11 Jul 2007 13:02:00 EST<![CDATA[In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Ford F-450 Lariat King Ranch]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/12/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-ford-f-450-lariat-king-ranch/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/12/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-ford-f-450-lariat-king-ranch/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/12/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-ford-f-450-lariat-king-ranch/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The first time we laid eyes on Ford's new F-450, we knew that we wanted to run one through the ringer. Intended to satisfy those customers who find traditional "one ton" dually trucks to be a bit too limiting, this massive vehicle pegged our more-is-better meter. The F-450 is, in fact, so big as to make the title of this post a complete misnomer, as it takes something more like a barn to house this much truck.

Gallery: 2008 Ford F-450 King Ranch

Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Ford F-450 Lariat King Ranch

In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Ford F-450 Lariat King Ranch originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jun 2007 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5th wheel6.46.4 L6.4Ldieselduallyfeaturedfifth wheelfordgaragehaulingKing RanchLariatpowerstrokesuper dutytowingTue, 12 Jun 2007 12:27:00 EST<![CDATA[In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Ford Expedition EL]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/30/in-the-autoblog-garage-2007-ford-expedition-el/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/30/in-the-autoblog-garage-2007-ford-expedition-el/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/30/in-the-autoblog-garage-2007-ford-expedition-el/#commentsFiled under: , ,


click above image to view more pics of the 2007 Ford Expedition EL

Ford's new Expedition EL has to follow in some huge footsteps - or, perhaps more appropriately, tire tracks. The stretched-wheelbase SUV not only has to do battle with GM's Suburban and Yukon XL duo (long the sales leaders in the extended-wheelbase segment), but it also has to live up to the reputation of the Excursion. That monstrous predecessor never sold in large numbers, but it built a loyal following that remains to this day (if you doubt this, just try to find a bargain on a low-mileage example with the Powerstroke diesel).

Since Ford's previous attempt at building a cargo conveyance and people mover on the Super Duty platform didn't appeal to the average mass-market buyer, this go-around utilizes the far more civilized Expedition platform - and its independent front and rear suspension - as a starting point. Will this move create a kinder, gentler mastodon of metal? We put one through the paces for a week to learn more.

Gallery: 2007 Ford Expedition EL

Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Ford Expedition EL

In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Ford Expedition EL originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 May 2007 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elexcursionexpeditionfordminivansoccer momsportsuburbanSUVutilityvehiclexlyukonWed, 30 May 2007 12:03:00 EST<![CDATA[In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Chevrolet Silverado LTZ]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/21/in-the-autoblog-garage-2007-chevrolet-silverado-ltz/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/21/in-the-autoblog-garage-2007-chevrolet-silverado-ltz/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/21/in-the-autoblog-garage-2007-chevrolet-silverado-ltz/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click on the photo above to view high-res shots of the 2007 Chevrolet Silverado

Last year, we had the opportunity to spend some time in the 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe and were rather pleased with that vehicle's vastly improved interior and driving dynamics. With the Silverado now riding on a similar-yet-different version of the GMT900 platform, will the same traits win us over, or has the General's mainstream pickup truck gone too soft? To find out, we recently spent some time in the decked-out LTZ trim level of Chevy's half-ton hauler.

Gallery: 2007 Chevrolet Silverado LTZ

Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Chevrolet Silverado LTZ

In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Chevrolet Silverado LTZ originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 May 2007 11:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2007chevroletchevyfeaturedgaragepickupsilveradotruckMon, 21 May 2007 11:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoblog Project Garage: Cold-air intake, Part II]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/10/autoblog-project-garage-cold-air-intake-part-ii/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/10/autoblog-project-garage-cold-air-intake-part-ii/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/10/autoblog-project-garage-cold-air-intake-part-ii/#commentsFiled under: ,



With some minor disassembly performed in Part I in anticipation of a new cold air intake, we also performed a few modifications that will be explained further in some later posts. Now that the car and components are ready for installation, let's dive under the hood to finish up this project.

Continue reading Autoblog Project Garage: Cold-air intake, Part II

Autoblog Project Garage: Cold-air intake, Part II originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Apr 2007 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cold airgarageimpala ssintakenitrousprojectram airTue, 10 Apr 2007 12:03:00 EST