Autoblog

Hennessey Performance Venom GT rendered, nearly uncovered

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:40:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, MISC

Hennessey Venom GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

After providing us an exclusive glimpse inside the Hennessey Performance workshop, the Texas-based tuner has let more details slip on the development of the Venom GT -- a Lotus Elise-based supercar packing Corvette ZR1 firepower.

Before the production version debuts at the Geneva Motor Show this March, Hennessey has released a few renderings, along with more shots from inside the shop and a basic spec sheet, including performance figures and few technical details. The rear-drive, two-seater should tip the scales at 2,395 pounds, with a twin-turbo V8 mounted amidships and dolling out 1,000 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 950 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm. As reported previously, power will be sent through a six-speed manual gearbox with forward progressed scrubbed off by Brembo brakes sized 15 inches in front and 14 inches in the rear. And the performance stats are nothing short of unbelievable. 0-60 mph will be dispatched in 2.2 seconds. 0-100 mph in 4.9 seconds and the 200 mph mark will be had in 14.5 seconds before maxing out at a claimed 262 mph. Judging by the newly released pics, the Venom GT is nearly complete and we expect to see the production version before it's official unveiling in Switzerland.

Gallery: Hennessey Performance Venom GT in the shop

[Source: Hennessey Performance]

Hennessey Performance Venom GT rendered, nearly uncovered originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit Preview: BMW Concept ActiveE set to amp up 1 Series

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, BMW, Electric

BMW Concept ActiveE - Click above for high-res image gallery

Six months into its Mini E field test program, BMW is getting ready for phase two of its electric vehicle development. At the Detroit Auto Show next month, the Bavarian automaker will introduce its Concept ActiveE which brings electric drive to the Roundel. This time, instead of the diminutive Mini, these new teaser images suggest that a 1 Series coupe is set to go the plug-in route.

With the Mini E, BMW rushed to get the cars out into the field, recruiting AC Propulsion to produce the powertrains and battery packs comprised of laptop cells - a setup not unlike the Tesla Roadster. This time around, the car is much closer to what might be expected of a mass-produced electric car. BMW plans to build another fleet of EVs based on this concept, and once again, it will again put cars into the hands of ordinary drivers and fleets for more field testing. Read on after the jump for more details and the official press release.

Gallery: BMW Concept ActiveE

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Detroit Preview: BMW Concept ActiveE set to amp up 1 Series

Detroit Preview: BMW Concept ActiveE set to amp up 1 Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Twin-turbo Viper-powered LMC Super Cuda shatters 200 mph against Ferrari Enzo

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Classics, Coupe, Performance, Videos

LMC Super 'Cuda vs. Ferrari Enzo - Click above to watch video

Legendary Motorcar Company built a Super 'Cuda for SEMA - no, not with a modern Dodge Challenger, with an actual Barricuda - and then decided to find out what it could do. The car is stuffed with engine and rubber: A twin-turbo Viper V10 with at least 1,000 horsepower, along with 345-series, 19-inch tires in back. So about the only place they could test it properly was Chrysler's Chelsea, Michigan proving grounds. For good measure, the folks at LMC brought a Ferrari Enzo along as well.

Needless to say, in a straight line drag, the Super 'Cuda owns the Enzo. The green monster and its turbine howls raced through the air so quickly that the windshield molding came off and the hood lifted by three inches. When it came to top speed, however - and in all likelihood, real-life cornering- the Enzo took the round, going 218 mph to the 'Cuda's 208 mph. The 'Cuda probably could have gone faster, but vintage aerodynamics and driver heebie-jeebies put paid to that. Get all the action in the video after the jump. Thanks for the tips, everyone!

[Source: Car Chat]

Continue reading VIDEO: Twin-turbo Viper-powered LMC Super Cuda shatters 200 mph against Ferrari Enzo

VIDEO: Twin-turbo Viper-powered LMC Super Cuda shatters 200 mph against Ferrari Enzo originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen Passat CC R-Line now on sale - in Europe

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Sedan, Europe, Volkswagen, Design/Style

2010 Volkswagen Passat CC R-Line - Click above for high-res image gallery

Volkswagen just opened the order book on the Passat CC with the R-Line package in Europe. We saw this car at the Frankfurt Motor Show and were completely smitten with it. Taking the regular CC's swoopy coupedan shape and adding the R-Line package makes it just about perfect. What stops it from being perfect is the fact that the R-Line package doesn't add any oomph. Just like Audi's S-Line, its alterations are mainly cosmetic.

The R-Line package adds an aero kit, surprisingly modest "Mallory" pattern 17-inch wheels, R-Line emblems, smoked taillights, R-Line aluminum sill plates, a unique three-spoke multifunction leather-wrapped steering wheel, front foglamps, and the Park Pilot system.

It becomes the eighth R-Line model in Volkswagen's lineup and will add 2,200 euro to the price of your CC - about $3,200 in Yankee bucks. Full press release after the jump and plenty of live and press pics below.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Volkswagen CC R

Gallery: 2010 Volkswagen Passat CC R-Line

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Volkswagen Passat CC R-Line now on sale - in Europe

Volkswagen Passat CC R-Line now on sale - in Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: 2011 Audi A1 not coming to the States

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Audi, Rumormill

2011 Audi A1 graffiti - Click above for high-res image gallery

There's still two months to go before the production 2011 Audi A1 is finally scheduled to get its internet close-up ahead of its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show, and the hype machine is already in full swing. No wonder, really, considering how much the Mini line - which, along with the reborn Fiat 500, Audi is obviously targeting with the little A1 - and its excellent advertising campaigns have impacted the public psyche.

One very large question remains, though: Will Audi sell the A1 in the States? We've heard from Audi's head of sales Peter Schwarzenbauer multiple times that the car was designed with the U.S. market in mind, but today we see a conflicting report from Insideline quoting an unnamed Audi insider.

The decision on whether or not the A1 makes the trek to America may well depend on its ability to make money at Mini's established price points and how strongly Audi believes that U.S. buyers have signaled their willingness to spend premium bucks on small cars. We'll see...

Gallery: 2011 Audi A1 Graffiti Teasers

[Source: Insideline]

REPORT: 2011 Audi A1 not coming to the States originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bugatti honors Dubai with three special editions Veyrons

Chris Paukert — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Bugatti, Misc. Auto Shows, Middle East, Design/Style, Luxury

Bugatti at the 2009 Dubai Motor Show - Click above for high-res image gallery

As with any other business, in the automotive sphere, it's mission critical to recognize on which side your bread is buttered - particularly in lean times like these. Bugatti may be losing money on each Veyron it builds, but that doesn't mean that company strategists don't know how to earn a crust. Need proof? This month's Dubai Motor Show finds the supercar builder unveiling a trio of special edition models in one of its most important markets.

The Middle East triumvirate will consist of the Veyron Nocturne, which features "galvanized side windows" that add continuity to the polished aluminum body panel accents, and there are also polished wheels and a "black nanocoated magnesium dashboard" with a center console rendered in galvanized platinum. Just five examples will be built.

Bugatti will also show its Veyron "Sang d'Argent" and a topless Grand Sport "Soliel de Nuit" model for those that like a little sun and sand in their hair. The former of which employs a silver metallic finish and alloys nicked from the Grand Sport and the latter incorporates "country coded" colors that include a silver metallic lower and an impossibly deep upper blue finish and a Havanna interior with quilted seats.

If you're interested, well, have your accountant's accountant ring up Bugatti, and summon your garage keeper to ensure you've got some extra room available in the first quarter of 2010 for when you take delivery. Oh, and you'll have to liberate anywhere from 1.45 million euro ($2.1M USD) to 1.65 million euro ($2.5M) from your chaise lounge cushions for the privilege. Not up for it? Well, you can at least check out our high-res images below and the official press release after the jump.

Gallery: Bugatti at the 2009 Dubai Motor Show

[Source: Bugatti]

Continue reading Bugatti honors Dubai with three special editions Veyrons

Bugatti honors Dubai with three special editions Veyrons originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz SLS goes from zero to gold in seconds for Dubai show

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Misc. Auto Shows, Middle East

2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG "desert gold" edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

Over the past several years, we've seen no end of photos of high-end cars with bright chrome and gold finishes coming out of the Middle East and Russia. Until now, none of those have come that way from an automaker's paint shop. However, you just knew that couldn't last, and alas, Mercedes-Benz has created a special version of its new SLS AMG supercar for the 2009 Dubai Motor Show.

Fortunately, Mercedes has decided to forgo the shiny route and applied a matte gold finish dubbed "AMG Desert Gold" to the gull-winged SLS. The badging and trim bits like the three-pointed star also go from the usual chrome or silver to a deep back look, as do the wheels. The overall appearance is actually quite much easier on the eyes than the mirror-finished gold appliques we are used to seeing. At this point the show car is a one-off, but Mercedes has said that if there is enough interest (read enough checks with sufficient zeros) the desert gold paint will be offered through the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO program.

Joining the gold SLS on the Dubai stand is a special 30th anniversary "Edition 79" G55 AMG KOMPRESSOR SUV. This one gets a matte grey finish that is normally only offered on the SLS. The Edition 79 comes with a 507-hp supercharged V8 under the hood for quick blasts across the sand. In proper high-end limited edition fashion, only 79 examples of this old school Benz will be built with all of them headed to the mid-East.

Gallery: Gold Mercedes-Benz SLS for Dubai Motor Show

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz SLS goes from zero to gold in seconds for Dubai show

Mercedes-Benz SLS goes from zero to gold in seconds for Dubai show originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Kia Forte Koup may get brand's first-ever turbo

Dan Roth — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Kia, Rumormill

2010 Kia Forte Koup - Click above for high-res image gallery

As General Motors' Saturn brand ushers its owners toward orphan-make status, at least one company is swooping in to pick at the bones of its carcass. Kia has been doing well lately, unlike nearly everyone else, its sales actually grew this year. The brand has been adding dealers by picking up ex-Saturn stores and looks to continue building market share in the East, as well as in selected large cities on the West Coast. Kia's VP of sales, Tom Loveless tells Automotive News there has been no concerted plan to go after Saturn dealers, they just happen to be in the markets Kia wants to expand into, and that some ex-Hummer and Chrysler dealers have joined, as well.

More interesting than tales of dealer signage changes is what may be coming product-wise. The Soul and Forte have been getting attention, and more new stuff is on the way as the 2011 Sorento drops in January. The Optima and Sportage both get the re-do treatment for 2011, and a hybrid lands in 2012. To counter the geek-chic of battery power, word is the sharp-looking Forte Koup might get an iron lung hung off its engine, making it the brand's first turbocharged car. Loveless seems open to the idea, calling it "a natural extension, if it makes financial sense." Word.

Gallery: Kia Forte Koup

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

REPORT: Kia Forte Koup may get brand's first-ever turbo originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Mercedes-Benz begins road-testing electric SLS supercar

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Electric

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is nothing if not an exciting car to drive, and the German automaker is reportedly hard at work making sure that the upcoming electric version of the supercar generates the same kind of reaction from its occupants. In an interview with Autocar, AMG head Volker Mornhinweg assures that the EV super coupe is now being tested on the road and will hit all of its targeted performance objectives.

The electric M-B SLS AMG will sport four individual electric motors that spin out 525 horsepower and 649 pound-feet of torque through all four wheels. That's enough grunt to push the gullwinged-supercar from 0 to 60 in four seconds flat. Three separate lithium ion battery packs will assure a range of 110 miles, though all those cells will push weight all the way up to a hefty 4,100 pounds - a full 500 pounds more than the gas-powered version.

If you're worried that all those extra pounds will make for a boring drive, don't be. "Effectively being four-wheel-drive does alter its character, but our torque vectoring systems give us opportunities to make it as good," affirms Mornhinweg. "It's important to get the emotional level of an EV right and we have some solutions." We'll have to wait until 2013 to find out for ourselves, at which time the SLS EV will hit the market, possibly for lease only with an unknown asking price.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Photos copyright (C)2009 Chris Paukert / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Mercedes-Benz begins road-testing electric SLS supercar originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: EVO does 0-100 mph in Porsche's new 911 Turbo... with a Coke and a smile

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:55:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Porsche

Evo takes a 911 Turbo and a Coke from 0-100 - Click above to watch video

When the Porsche 997 Turbo first came out and it was discovered that you could get from 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds in the Tiptronic automatic transmission (which was quicker than the manual gearbox), that was incredible enough. In the updated 997 Turbo with PDK, however, you can apparently get to 100 mph in less than eight seconds with just three fingers on the wheel and a bottle of Coke at your lips.

Things coming out of Stuttgart are no longer incredible, they're outrageous. Follow the jump to watch Chris Harris do a bit of drinking and driving.

[Source: EVO]

Continue reading VIDEO: EVO does 0-100 mph in Porsche's new 911 Turbo... with a Coke and a smile

VIDEO: EVO does 0-100 mph in Porsche's new 911 Turbo... with a Coke and a smile originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kepler Motors Motion supercar to debut at Dubai Motor Show

Drew Phillips — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Misc. Auto Shows

Kepler Motors Motion - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's hard not to be skeptical when a company that no one has ever heard of announces a brand-new supercar. A few have managed to last more than a few years, like Koenigsegg and Pagani, but most seem to disappear just as quickly as they appear. Russ Wicks, founder and CEO of Kepler Motors, is evidently undaunted by the statistics and is launching his new supercar, the Motion, this week at the Dubai International Motor Show.

To their credit, Kepler Motors seems to have all right pieces to the puzzle. The Motion features all the makings of a 21st century supercar like a carbon fiber composite monocoque chassis and body, active suspension and aerodynamics, and a seven-speed sequential transaxle. The all-important horsepower rating is an impressive 800 thanks to the combination of a modified Ford 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 that drives the rear wheels and a 250 hp electric motor that sends power to the front. Yes, it's a hybrid.

While we remain skeptical, we wish Kepler Motors the best of luck. They will surely have their hands full filling their proposed production limit of 50 cars that are set to be delivered to customers at the start of 2011. We will be sure to bring you any updates regarding the supercar startup, but until then check out the gallery below or read more about the Motion in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Kepler Motors MOTION Supercar

[Source: Kepler Motors]

Continue reading Kepler Motors Motion supercar to debut at Dubai Motor Show

Kepler Motors Motion supercar to debut at Dubai Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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9ff reveals even more bonkers GT9-R - is this the world's fastest production car?

Noah Joseph — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Porsche

9ff GT9-R - Click above for high-res image gallery

Bonkers is a relative term, when you think about it. Case in point: the 9ff GT9. With 973 horsepower and a 409 km/h top speed - that's 254 mph, friends - this was already one bonkers supercar. And then 9ff comes along with the GT9-R, an even faster version with - wait for it - 1120 horsepower and a claimed 414 km/h (257 mph) top speed. That's enough to outgun the 412 km/h (256 mph) record set by the SSC Ultimate Aero TT to claim the top-speed crown. That's right: pending outside verification at least, this is the world's fastest car. On the way, it'll hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in 2.9 seconds, 200 km/h (124 mph) in 7.4 and 300 (186 mph) in 14.9. Right, bonkers.

Although - like 9ff's tuner cars - the GT9-R is loosely based on a Porsche 911, it only bears what could barely be described as a passing resemblance. Just about the entire thing is built from scratch, with a 4.0-liter boxer six all but completely rebuilt.

Only twenty examples of the range-topping GT9-R will be offered, although the *ahem* lesser versions with 750 or 987 horsepower are also available, each built to order to the customer's specifications. We're just afraid to ask how much many euros that entails, especially when the existing GT9 went for half a million. Details in the press release after the jump and photos in the gallery below.

Gallery: 9ff GT9-R

[Source: 9ff]

Continue reading 9ff reveals even more bonkers GT9-R - is this the world's fastest production car?

9ff reveals even more bonkers GT9-R - is this the world's fastest production car? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MEC Design takes another (eyeball) stab at the SLS AMG

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 12:33:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG by MEC Design - Click above for image gallery

Germans are generally so conservative that we sometimes wonder if their aftermarket scene exists only to provide for the anomalies that every society needs. Not many of you fell for MEC Design's first attempt at visually tuning the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, and we would have thought it was something from Tron Legacy if not for the fact of it being yellow. It appears that boys from Berlin returned to their easels and now present the MEC SLS, take two.

It's called a "style study" and to its credit, MEC has deleted the most obscene gestures from the previous rendering: the mommy-make-it-stop nose and horrendous wheels. Nevertheless, MEC's Erector-Set-and-Laffy-Taffy design ethos has only been barely restrained, and the result is still quite troubling. If you have suggestions, you can leave them in the comments section below. We think MEC is reading...

Gallery: MEC Design Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

[Source: Caradisiac]

MEC Design takes another (eyeball) stab at the SLS AMG originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Dec 2009 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: 1986 Dodge Daytona gets the Back to the Future treatment

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 19:50:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Videos, Dodge, Specialty

Back to the Future Daytona - Click above to watch the video after the break

If you squint your eyes a bit, and possibly drink a very large amount of tequila, your eyes might find a slight (read: extremely remote) resemblance to the DMC DeLorean in the old 1980s-vintage Dodge Daytona -- minus, of course, the Delorean's trademark gullwing doors. Plus, it seems as if every other '80s Daytona is finished in a shade of light silver that could be mistaken at first glance for an unfinished stainless steel skin. Sort of.

It makes sense, then (okay, not really) that at least one enterprising person with a suitably-warped sense of vision saw fit to build his very own Mr. Fusion-powered Dodge Daytona Time Machine, and we give him solid marks for effort. Except. perhaps, for not wiping the dust off his camera lens (see what we mean around the 1:00 minute mark) before shooting the video.

If you're like us, you're probably wondering why someone would go to the trouble of recreating a BTTF Time Machine using a Dodge Daytona? We'll let the builder explain:

Being an adult, I have realized that without winning the lottery or inventing the latest, greatest thing, I am never gonna have the money to buy a Delorean. Well, I could probally get the money together, but I am pretty sure my wife will not let me spend it on a 28 year old car... but I sure as hell can afford an old 1980's Dodge Daytona!

Makes sense, no? Click past the break to watch the video in all its child-of-the-eighties glory. Thanks for the tip, Luke!

[Source: YouTube via BTTF4.com]

Continue reading VIDEO: 1986 Dodge Daytona gets the Back to the Future treatment

VIDEO: 1986 Dodge Daytona gets the Back to the Future treatment originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 Dec 2009 19:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Honda finds loophole, new NSX to run in SuperGT

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 18:56:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Japan, Acura, Honda, Specialty

Honda NSX Prototype - Click above for high-res image gallery

We knew it was coming and now we've got details. According to the latest reports out of Japan, the Honda NSX will live on, but mere mortals will never get a shot behind the wheel.

As previously reported, Honda has been actively petitioning the Japanese Automobile Federation (JAF) -- the organizing entity behind Japan's Super GT series -- to run a new front-engine racer in the touring car championship. A cursory reading of the rule book states that vehicles campaigning in SuperGT must be production vehicles (think GT-R, MR2, SC430). However, Honda's found a loop-hole.

Just as Toyota has done in recent years with the Supra (it's out of production), the Super GT rules specify that a vehicle's specs and design must be submitted to JAF to be approved. That means that a vehicle can be "production ready," if not actually in production. So for the 2010 SuperGT season, Honda will bring out an all-new race car based on the NSX prototype (seen above), reportedly packing a 3.4-liter V8.

So... Lawyers: 1. NSX's lovers: 0. But at least we get to see it race...

Gallery: Spy Shots: Acura NSX

[Source: Insideline]

REPORT: Honda finds loophole, new NSX to run in SuperGT originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 18:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Kia considering production Kee to compete with Toyobaru coupe

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Performance, Kia

Kia Kee Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

In an interview with the blokes from Autocar, Kia head designer Peter Schreyer had plenty of interesting things to say about the possibility of a new rear-wheel drive sportscar from the Korean automaker based on the KEE concept from the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show.

If it ever sees the light of day, Schreyer sees the coupe as a possible competitor for the Mazda MX-5 Miata and the upcoming inexpensive sportscar from Toyota and Subaru. Not to mention a possible Nissan 240SX revival. Just don't expect to see such a machine any time soon:

Assuming Kia's European fortunes continue to improve at the rate they are now, we could be ready in, say, five years for a car like Kee... [I]t would be important for the Kee to be rear-wheel drive. And there is, of course, already a rear-driven platform within the Hyundai-Kia group that we could look to use, if our timing was good... Personally, I have to say that I'm very excited by the idea, and very enthusiastic to make it happen.

So, not only may the Genesis platform be expanded to include a top-level Kia sedan, it may spawn a small sporty machine as well. According to Schreyer, the production Kee wouldn't need a ton of power; rather Kia would focus on making the car "compact, affordable and fun." Sounds good to us - really, can we ever have too much of those three adjectives in the automotive world?

Gallery: Kia Kee Coupe Concept

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Kia considering production Kee to compete with Toyobaru coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari P540 Superfast Aperta revealed, second from Special Projects program

John Neff — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 15:28:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Ferrari, Specialty

Ferrari P540 Superfast Aperta - Click above for high-res image gallery

We all remember the hoopla a few years ago when kajillionaire James Glickenhaus revealed he had been working with Ferrari on an updated version of the famous P3/4 race car from the sixties. What resulted was the Ferrari P4/5 one-off. Glickenhaus was $4 million lighter, but that seems like money well spent judging by all the attention he received, not to mention the fact he owns a 1-of-1 Ferrari.

~~That whole endeavor was part of the Ferrari Special Projects program~~ (turns out that the P4/5 preceded the Ferrari Special Projects program, the first vehicle of which was the SP1), which is fancy Italian talk for "We will build anything you want for the right price." Another kajillionaire was apparently waiting in line behind Glickenhaus, and after 14 months of development, his car is ready too. Called the P540 Superfast Aperta, this entirely unique Ferrari was commissioned and partly developed by Edward Walson, whose claim to fame is that his dad invented cable TV. The new money mogul had reportedly always dreamed of designing cars, and approached Ferrari in 2008 to develop a car based on the gold Ferrari in the 1968 short film Toby Dammit.

If you can't tell, the donor car is a Ferrari 599 and much of the development work went into strengthening the car after the roof was removed. It's pretty, it's road legal and it's the only in existence. Follow the jump for the official word from Ferrari.

Gallery: Ferrari P540 Superfast Aperta

Continue reading Ferrari P540 Superfast Aperta revealed, second from Special Projects program

Ferrari P540 Superfast Aperta revealed, second from Special Projects program originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Ferrari California + Audi R8 + hot girls + bear suits = best rental car video ever

Jonny Lieberman — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Etc., Videos, Audi, Ferrari

The man in the panda suit is holding an R8 key - Click above to watch the video after the jump

When we saw Henry Rollins speak ~~a few~~ ten years ago, he told a story about a fan who wrote to him with a peculiar problem. Seems the guy is a paramedic and one night they come upon a car crash where a beautiful naked woman is lying on the ground unconscious. They spring into action, get her in the back of the ambulance and begin emergency resuscitation. Now, the guy is alone in the back of the ambulance with the woman, and he can't get over how hauntingly beautiful she is.

And she's not responding. All her vitals were failing and he knows she's not going to make it. As she expires, the paramedic, who had suddenly and quickly developed feelings for her, kisses her on the lips. By the time they reach the hospital, the woman is dead. Trouble is, the paramedic is now completely in love with her. So much so he can't sleep, he can't eat and he's having trouble working.

Rollins said his first reaction was to write back, "YOU SICK $@#!!! GO KILL YOURSELF!" But no, the paramedic's obviously in pain and obviously needs his help. So he thinks about it for awhile and attempts to seek out helpful advice. That night at some awards ceremony he runs into none other than Tom Waits and figures if anyone has some words of wisdom for the poor, lovestruck -- but slightly demented -- paramedic it would be Waits.

Rollins tells him the story and Tom's eyes light up. "You tell him she's haunting him from the grave," Waits says in his gravely trademark baritone. "Tell him she did the same thing to me!" Now a couple of you might be wondering what on earth this story has to do with anything, let alone cars. It doesn't. But it's a fitting accompaniment to the three minutes of randomness in the video after the jump. So if you're into Furries, Ferraris, Audis, fat guys and sexy ladies, have we got a clip for you. Tip of the Panda head piece to Jesse Y!

[Source: Midway Car Rental]

Continue reading VIDEO: Ferrari California + Audi R8 + hot girls + bear suits = best rental car video ever

VIDEO: Ferrari California + Audi R8 + hot girls + bear suits = best rental car video ever originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Yes, Again: Nissan rumored to be reviving 240SX, bringing it to the U.S.

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 13:26:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Japan, Nissan, Rumormill

Nissan Foria Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Nissan's plans to revive the 240SX (Silvia in JDM parlance) has almost become a running joke, right up there with the fake moon landing and Tom Cruise's heterosexuality. But still, this old chestnut carries forth, with a new report from Insideline's editor in Japan who says the coupe's revival is due to hit the market sometime in 2011 or 2012.

Details, per usual, are both scarce and obvious. The next-generation Silvia will supposedly be built atop Nissan's popular FM platform (370Z, Infiniti G, etc.), come in a 2+2 seating configuration and tip the scales around 2,800 pounds. Naturally, as the S15's successor, it will be a front-engine, rear-drive setup, and is rumored to be packing a turbocharged 1.8-liter inline-four putting out around 200 horsepower. A naturally aspirated variant will also be available to keep the cost of entry low, but the turbo'd model is obviously the pick of the litter and should deliver a 0-60 time of between six and seven seconds.

IL's man in Japan points to the Nissan Foria concept (shown above) as the stylistic inspiration, but notes that the coupe would only be "loosely based" on the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show concept. Judging by Nissan's recent design endeavors, we doubt the Foria -- or as previously rumored, the Urge concept -- will be a heavy influence on this supposed Silvia revival.

Although we're all for more budget-oriented FR sports cars, the popularity of the Toyota FT-86 is sure to be a factor in Nissan's decision to bring the 240SX back to life. That, coupled with the unknown demand for the Hyundai Genesis Coupe (Hyundai doesn't break out Genesis Sedan from Coupe sales in its monthly reports) makes the proposition of a new 2+2 from Nissan even more hazy. So until we hear something solid from Ghosn and Company, we'll resume our normal respiration routine.

Gallery: Nissan Fiora Concept

[Source: Insideline]

Yes, Again: Nissan rumored to be reviving 240SX, bringing it to the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 13:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aston Martin updates the V8 Vantage for 2010

Noah Joseph — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Aston Martin

2010 Aston Martin V8 Vantage - Click above for high-res image gallery

Reports from the British Isles and a new batch of images from the manufacturer indicate that Aston Martin has quietly prepared a few minor revisions for its entry-level V8 Vantage for the 2010 model year.

Among those changes are clear tail lamps (like those on the V12 version), side sills borrowed from the N400 edition and "magnum silver" mesh for the hood and side vents. There will also be some new optional equipment, including the ten-spoke, 19-inch forged, diamond-turned alloys pictured on the car above, carbon-Kevlar seats that trim 17kg off the curb weight, and a 1000-watt Bang & Olufsen stereo.

Along with the mild visual upgrades and the new optional equipment, Aston has cut the V8 engine's carbon emissions, the manual-equipped model dropping from 328 g/km to 315 g/km, and the Sportshift model dropping to 300 g/km. The changes are applied equally to the coupe and Roadster, with order books reportedly open now with deliveries beginning early in the new year. Check out the updated model in our high-resolution image gallery below.

Gallery: 2010 Aston Martin V8 Vantage

[Source: Aston Martin via CAR magazine]

Aston Martin updates the V8 Vantage for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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