Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Just say No: Nissan GT-R convertible]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/24/just-say-no-nissan-gt-r-convertible/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/24/just-say-no-nissan-gt-r-convertible/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/24/just-say-no-nissan-gt-r-convertible/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The Nissan GT-R is a fire-breathing monster, both on the track and on the canyon roads of Southern California. It's been the biggest buzz vehicle of 2008 and could be the most impressive sports car in the history of Nissan. The GT-R is a media star that attracts attention everywhere it goes not on looks, but on the potential to send concrete crying to its mama. Why, then, would there ever be a reason for Nissan to issue a drop-top version of Godzilla? Convertibles add weight and reduce structural rigidity, which doesn't exactly help the GT-R hold up its standing as the king of the 'Ring.

No worries, though. The photo above is nothing more than a reasonably well done photo-chop that shows what the GT-R might look like as a cabrio. Now that we've seen it, we have one word to describe what Nissan executives should say if asked to remove the GT-R's fixed roof: No. Seriously, the GT-R is a functional beast that utilizes automotive science to defy the laws of gravity to beat lighter, more powerful vehicles. And Nissan will likely never satisfy demand for the rarefied coupe. Again, no.

[Source: Auto Junk]

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Nissan GT-R

 

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]]>cabrioGT-R convertibleGt-rConvertibleNissan GT-RNissanGt-r2008-07-24T13:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: 2011 Ford Focus]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/23/rendered-speculation-2011-ford-focus/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/23/rendered-speculation-2011-ford-focus/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/23/rendered-speculation-2011-ford-focus/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

When we see things like this, we feel like Bruce Banner... having to contain our anger... at not getting... the Euro Focus. But hopefully tomorrow our fortunes will change, and if they do, here' s a look at the Focus we could get in 2011.

We were happy enough about the second-gen Focus, and this is even better. With a massive front maw, revised panels throughout, and a well executed sportback rear, the Focus Mk. 3 is, as the English would say, a bit of all right. The highlight show continues inside with better materials and an HMI-like control system. The UK will get the car later this year.

Although this Focus isn't slated (yet) for an RS version, it will put on an ST badge and mods at some point, and will come in three-, four-, and five-door variants, plus a wagon and a convertible. And if you're in Spain, you'll get a special edition diesel Focus WRC-S, with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder pumping 134 bhp. Each one of 666 samples will be signed by Ford WRC driver Marcus Gronholm. Prices have not been announced for any of the new Focus models.

[Source: Auto Express]

 

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]]>2011 focus2011 ford focus2011Focus2011FordFocuseuropean focusEuropeanFocusfocusfordford focusFordFocussedansedans2008-07-23T09:39:00+00:00<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: V8-powered BMW Z4 hardtop]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/21/rendered-speculation-v8-powered-bmw-z4-hardtop/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/21/rendered-speculation-v8-powered-bmw-z4-hardtop/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/21/rendered-speculation-v8-powered-bmw-z4-hardtop/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

AutoExpress' artists worked their magic on the next generation BMW Z4 and even though the exterior is more appealing than its predecessor, what lies beneath the evolved flame-surfacing has us aching to get behind the wheel.

As reported before, the next Z4 will feature a retractable hard top, but a cloth roof will continue to be offered on entry-level models. Motivation will come in several different flavors, beginning with naturally aspirated four- and six-cylinder powerplants. A diesel is also being considered - a first for the Z4 - and there's no doubt that the 3-series-based roadster will come packing the twin-turbocharged, 3.0-liter inline six that's proliferated throughout BMW's lineup. More importantly, rumors are beginning to swirl that the M version will be equipped with the 4.0-liter V8 currently found in the M3. If that happens, it's all but guaranteed that the twin-clutch gearbox will find a happy home in the transmission tunnel.

[Source: AutoExpress]

 

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]]>20092009 bmw z42009BmwZ420102010 bmw z42010BmwZ4bmwz42008-07-21T19:04:00+00:00<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: New Fiesta raises the roof]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/18/rendered-speculation-new-fiesta-raises-the-roof/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/18/rendered-speculation-new-fiesta-raises-the-roof/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/18/rendered-speculation-new-fiesta-raises-the-roof/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Just because there's been new life breathed into small cars doesn't mean buyers are going to clamor for dour, joyless, fun-free clunkers. Ford's well aware of that, so its readying a soft-top version of its lauded new Fiesta. The fabric-roofed little party on wheels will make its debut at next week's British Motor Show and should be on the road by early 2010. The sharp looking little cabrio forgoes the popular folding hardtop trend to save weight and maintain usefulness with a small-folding top stack. Competition is heating up in Europe, with plenty of smartly styled, diminutive 'verts hitting the market. We hope that when the Fiesta takes its boat ride across the Atlantic, some of these are tossed in the cargo hold.

[Source: Auto Express]

 

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]]>british motor showBritishMotorShowfiesta cabriofiesta cabrioletfiesta convertiblefiesta droptopfiesta softtopFiestaCabrioFiestaCabrioletFiestaConvertibleFiestaDroptopFiestaSofttopford fiestaford fiesta cabrioletford fiesta convertibleford fiesta spy shotsFordFiestaFordFiestaCabrioletFordFiestaConvertibleFordFiestaSpyShots2008-07-18T17:32:00+00:00<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation? 2010 Porsche Cayman leaked]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/15/rendered-speculation-2010-porsche-cayman-leaked/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/15/rendered-speculation-2010-porsche-cayman-leaked/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/15/rendered-speculation-2010-porsche-cayman-leaked/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for more renderings of the 2010 Porsche Cayman S

We're already smitten by the current-generation Porsche Cayman and its older brother, the Boxster, and it now appears as if the iconic German automaker is poised to improve the breed even further. What first began with forum rumblings now appears to be official information from the factory. The revised Boxster S and Cayman S models will get direct injection and the new seven speed PDK transmission along with a limited slip differential. That DI is responsible for an increase of 25 ponies to 320 hp along with 273 lb.-ft. of torque in the Cayman. Lesser models don't get the DI, but will get a displacement bump from 2.7- to 2.9-liters and a corresponding jump to 265 horsepower. The Boxster and Boxster S each offer ten fewer ponies than the Cayman.

Along with the new PDK transmission, which produces faster shifts than the conventional six-speed manual 'box, the Sport Chrono package will be available along with Launch Control. As is often the case with Porsche, a comparison is required to notice the revised front and rear fascias, but after some examination, we like what we see. Take a look at the galleries below of both the revised Cayman S and Boxster S models to judge for yourself.

Gallery: 2010 Porsche Cayman Renderings


Gallery: 2010 Boxster Renderings


[Source: Cayman Club via Jalopnik]

 

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]]>2010 Porsche Boxster2010 Porsche Boxster S2010 porsche cayman2010 Porsche Cayman S2010PorscheBoxster2010PorscheBoxsterS2010PorscheCayman2010PorscheCaymanSPorsche BoxsterPorsche CaymanPorscheBoxsterPorscheCayman2008-07-15T14:28:00+00:00<![CDATA[Rumormill: Acura NSX, RL to get V10 with cylinder deactivation?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/15/rumormill-honda-nsx-and-acura-rl-to-get-v10-with-cylinder-deact/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/15/rumormill-honda-nsx-and-acura-rl-to-get-v10-with-cylinder-deact/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/15/rumormill-honda-nsx-and-acura-rl-to-get-v10-with-cylinder-deact/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Not only is team Corvette taking shots at the Nissan GT-R, besting its 'Ring time in the process, so is Acura with its well-publicized NSX replacement. Though we've seen more spy shots, renderings and videos than you can shake a stick at, there are a few more renderings over at 7Tune if you are so inclined. What's more interesting, though, is news that the 5.5L V10 engine expected under the hood of the supercar will include relatively aggressive cylinder deactivation technology. The V10 will reportedly be able to cut its cylinder count in half by running as a 2.75L inline five-cylinder when its full capacity isn't needed. We would imagine that would be quite often, as the car's expected power output of six-hundred horses attests.

In what seems like a highly unlikely possibility, some sources are also reporting that a version of the V10 engine from the NSX could see duty in a future Acura RL sedan. Considering that the RL has never featured anything more than six cylinders underhood, this would be an extremely radical departure for Acura. In other words, don't hold your breath.

[Source: 7Tune]

 

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]]>2010 acura nsx2010AcuraNsxacura nsxacura nsx lap timeacura nsx nurburgrin...acura nsx nurburgringacura nsx prototypeacura nsx ringacura rlacura v10AcuraNsxAcuraNsxLapTimeAcuraNsxNurburgrin...AcuraNsxNurburgringAcuraNsxPrototypeAcuraNsxRingAcuraRlAcuraV10nsxnsx replacementnsx spy shotsNsxReplacementNsxSpyShots2008-07-15T08:01:00+00:00<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: Baby Mercedes-Benz CLS]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/13/rendered-speculation-baby-mercedes-benz-cls/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/13/rendered-speculation-baby-mercedes-benz-cls/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/13/rendered-speculation-baby-mercedes-benz-cls/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Big Merc gender-bending is coming to the small Benzes when the platform underneath the A- and B-Class vehicles is released for consumption. Amongst the van-like MPVs will come a "four door coupe" that Autozeitung predicts will be called the CLA. Picture a shrunken CLS and you get the idea, and that's what Autozeitung's digital artist went with when fashioning a rendering. The "sandwich structure" of the current A/B-Class Benzes allows crash safety with a short nose, as well as passenger cabin benefits, but is costly to build, so something else is being brewed up for the new smallest Mercedes. The front-drive, tall and stubby cars haven't been fawned over, so a platform swap to an FR layout may be in store, though that would seriously chew up space efficiency. A muscled-up Euro scuttled plans to bring the original B-class to the United States, though this new version might just make it onto the boat to do battle in the burgeoning small/flexible/fuel efficient end of the market.

[Source: Carscoop]



 

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]]>mercedesmercedes a classmercedes a-classmercedes b-classmercedes benzmercedes clamercedes-benzMercedesA-classMercedesAClassMercedesB-classmercedesbenzMercedesCla2008-07-13T15:09:00+00:00<![CDATA[Gotham meets Cybertron]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/13/gotham-meets-cybertron/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/13/gotham-meets-cybertron/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/13/gotham-meets-cybertron/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above image to enlarge

Comic book and sci-fi fans are resourceful bunch. While studios and publishers do their best to monetize their hottest properties, the care and feeding lavished upon them by hardcore fans takes things to entirely different levels. Exhaustive web resources, fan fiction, and fan art are just a few examples of how aficionados pay tribute to the characters, movies, and shows they love. As is often the case, these interests frequently cross over, and sometimes, blending two properties results in a creation that's just incredibly cool. That's what Jester and Jolin from Jester Pictures have done.

What you see above is an Autobot version of Batman's Tumbler, and it makes you kinda wish Optimus Prime & co. landed in Gotham City instead of California, allying themselves with the Bat instead of Sam Witwicky. Seriously, as if the Tumbler wasn't mean enough already, its fantasy Autobot form is eye-popping. Note the shape of its head, the bat-shield logo on its chest, and even the incorporation of the utility belt. The Autobot bat-signal in the sky is a nice touch, too. Thanks to "94 taurus Owner" for the tip!

[Source: Jester Pictures via DonMurphy.net via TFLAMB]

 

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]]>autobotbatmanbatmobilecybertrondark knightDarkKnightgothamgotham cityGothamCityjester picturesJesterPicturestrasnsformerstumbler2008-07-13T13:33:00+00:00<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: 2010 Plymouth Road Runner Concept]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/13/rendered-speculation-2010-plymouth-road-runner-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/13/rendered-speculation-2010-plymouth-road-runner-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/13/rendered-speculation-2010-plymouth-road-runner-concept/#commentsFiled under: ,

Yes, we know the Plymouth brand went extinct a few years ago, and Mopar Enthusiast magazine obviously knows that as well, but that didn't stop them from taking part in some wishful thinking. Their August/September issue features their vision of a 2010 Plymouth Road Runner concept car that takes styling cues from the '71-'72 model years. Features include 21-inch front and 22-inch rear magnesium 5-spoke wheels, LED taillights, and 14-inch Brembo brakes. Under the hood is HEMI power, with the 5.7L V8 coming as standard, and 6.1L and 7.0L available as options mated to either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. While we doubt the Plymouth brand will be making a comeback just to resurrect the Road Runner name, we could definitely see another 2-door LX car with Chrysler badging. Thanks for the tip, Tim!

[Source: Mopar Enthusiast via Charger Forumz]

 

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]]>2010 Plymouth Road Runner2010PlymouthRoadRunnerConceptPlymouthPlymouth Road RunnerPlymouthRoadRunnerRoad RunnerRoadRunner2008-07-13T08:14:00+00:00<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: Lancia Delta HF Integrale]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/07/rendered-speculation-lancia-delta-hf-integrale/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/07/rendered-speculation-lancia-delta-hf-integrale/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/07/rendered-speculation-lancia-delta-hf-integrale/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Back when Japanese automakers like Mitsubishi and Subaru were still making awkward little econo-boxes, the Lancia Delta Integrale was the king of the hill on the rally circuit, kicking up dirt and taking championships in resplendent Martini livery. So when the Italian automaker revealed the new Delta, nostalgic rally fans began twitching with excitement.

Although Lancia has yet to reveal any plans to make a high-performance version of the new Delta, one such rally fan has drawn up his impression of what form such a gravel-chomping beast could look like. For our part, we're hoping Lancia will take note and give us a new Integrale, complete with jumbo-turbo power and all-wheel-drive... however unlikely that may seem while sister company Abarth runs the IRC circuit with their pumped-up Super2000 Puntos. Until that day comes, European customers will have to make do with the current front-drive 200hp 1.8-liter turbo to satisfy their longing for the good old days.

[Source: autoblog.it via CarScoop]

 

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]]>deltadelta integraleDeltaIntegraleintegralelancialancia deltalancia delta hf integralelancia delta integraleLanciaDeltaLanciaDeltaHfIntegraleLanciaDeltaIntegralerendered lancia delta integraleRenderedLanciaDeltaIntegrale2008-07-07T17:02:00+00:00<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: 2010 Honda S2000 replacement]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/07/rendered-speculation-2010-honda-s2000-replacement/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/07/rendered-speculation-2010-honda-s2000-replacement/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/07/rendered-speculation-2010-honda-s2000-replacement/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The Honda S2000 has been on the US market since 1999, and although it's long in the tooth, the rev-happy two-seater still brings joy to drivers with its well-balanced RWD goodness. We're looking forward to an all-new S2000, and according to a few Japanese magazines, we can expect to see the S2K's replacement in 2010. One mag commissioned the above rendering, which incorporates clean, angular lines, similar to those found on recent concepts from Honda and Acura. The topless rendering also exhibits an improved rendition of the aesthetically questionable Honda grille, along with some US-centric chrome rims.

The next generation S2000 is rumored to be powered by a choice of four- or six-cylinder engines, with the four still packing 2.4 liters, but producing around 250 hp, and the a larger 3.5-liter unit putting out around 350 ponies. While a modestly enhanced 2.4 makes sense as the base engine, we're unsure if a larger, heavier V6 is a good call for a vehicle that prides itself on its 50/50 weight distribution and 8,300 rpm redline. Adding a turbocharger would help to keep weight issues at bay, while still providing the added pop enthusiasts crave.

[Source: Carscoop]

 

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]]>coupeHonda S2000HondaS2000Renderingroadster2008-07-07T08:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: Fiat Topolino by Paolo Martin]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/02/rendered-speculation-fiat-topolino-by-paolo-martin/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/02/rendered-speculation-fiat-topolino-by-paolo-martin/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/02/rendered-speculation-fiat-topolino-by-paolo-martin/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

We see a lot of rendered speculation on upcoming models, but they're seldom penned by renowned designers. However as Fiat prepares to revive the classic Topolino, Italian magazine Ruoteclassiche commissioned designer Paolo Martin - former of Bertone, Pininfarina and Ghia - to render his interpretation of how the tiny retro runabout could (or should) look.

Martin says he strove to "maintain the original spirit" of the Topolino, "with similar proportions, protruding front end and fenders, a nearly-identical grille, circular headlamps, short rear overhang and spare tire covered and integrated in the rear tailgate." The Topolino will be built at Fiat's newly-acquired Zastava plant in Serbia as a budget city-car, positioned below the 500, and despite Panda/500 underpinnings could get a rear-engine layout for the 0.9-liter two cylinder engine with DSG and start-stop technology.

[Source: Car Body Design]

 

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]]>fiat 500 topolinofiat topolinofiat topolino paolo martinfiat topolino zastavafiat zastavaFiat500TopolinoFiatTopolinoFiatTopolinoPaoloMartinFiatTopolinoZastavaFiatZastavapaolo martinPaoloMartin2008-07-02T17:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: Next-gen Mazda3]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/30/rendered-speculation-next-gen-mazda3/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/30/rendered-speculation-next-gen-mazda3/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/30/rendered-speculation-next-gen-mazda3/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of Mazda3 renderings

The Mazda3 has been a compact darling ever since its introduction in 2004, and even though its current design is nearly five years old, it still wins many comparison tests. Since its near the end of a design cycle, a new Zoom Zoom Mazda is on its way, and some interesting renderings have been published online of what the new Mazda3 could look like.

The design theme is decidedly Mazda6-based up front, with similarly angled LED headlights and the same basic shape, but this unofficial Mazda3 is far more "in your face." The large front air dam looks more like something from the MazdaSpeed collection, and its large opening doubles as the Mazda3's grille. The side view features clean, flowing lines and the same basic shape as the current Mazda3 hatch. Out back, football-shaped LED taillamps give this rendering a touch of class, and the similarly-shaped in-set dual exhaust looks like a concept-only touch. Due to the surprising success of the current model, the next Mazda3 has to be very, very good or it will be a big disapointment. If the next 3 looks as good as these renderings, we wouldn't be disappointed at all.

Gallery: Mazda3 Rendered Speculation


[Source: burlappcars via WorldCarFans]

 

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]]>breakingFordMazdaMazda3Rendered speculationRenderedSpeculation2008-06-30T13:55:00+00:00<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: BMW M3 CSL]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/30/rendered-speculation-bmw-m3-csl/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/30/rendered-speculation-bmw-m3-csl/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/30/rendered-speculation-bmw-m3-csl/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Lighter means faster. If you have yet to grasp that concept, have a look at the Ferrari 430 Scuderia, Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera or Porsche 911 GT3 RS - each capable of leaving the heavier versions of each lightning-quick sportscar on which they're based in the dust. The performance gap is widened not by more power, but by a higher power-to-weight ratio resulting from an aggressive kilo-trimming program. Another in their ranks: the gone-but-not-forgotten, previous-generation BMW M3 CSL. By removing a bit of excess weight, the CSL was capable of outgunning its heavier counterpart by a considerable margin (how does a 7:22.8 'Ring lap sound?).

It's been just under a year since M-guru Gerhard Richter promised us a new M3 CSL based on the new V8 model, but aside from a few spy shots here and there, we've yet to see one materialize so far. To keep our appetites whet, German car mag Autozeitung put out this rendering of what the new CSL could look like, complete with carbon-fiber hood, a more aggressive front bumper and some new vents. Close enough to the mark? We'll just have to wait and see.

[Source: Autozeitung via CarScoop]

 

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]]>bmw cslbmw m3bmw m3 cslBmwCslBmwM3BmwM3Cslm3 cslM3Csl2008-06-30T11:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: Honda NSX without zebra camouflage]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/28/rendered-speculation-honda-nsx-without-zebra-camouflage/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/28/rendered-speculation-honda-nsx-without-zebra-camouflage/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/28/rendered-speculation-honda-nsx-without-zebra-camouflage/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

AutoExpress is just as interested in the styling of the next NSX as the rest of us are, so they pressed a digital artist into action to 'chop the shots of the car running on the Nurburgring. What they've come away with isn't nearly as bad as we thought it might be on our last podcast. It still looks like a hotted-up Accord Coupe in some ways, though the lines and proportions are rather classic, and the anti-flamboyance creates a car that wouldn't look ridiculous next to an F430, except for the quad stacked exhaust tips. Of course, all the renderings really do is muddy the waters until we see the actual car, but at least if these images ring true, the NSX won't suck. It won't stand out, either, but who ever bought an Acura to stand out?

[Source: Auto Express, Photo: Larson]

 

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]]>acuraacura nsxAcuraNsxnsxnsx renderingnsx replacementnsx spy shotsNsxRenderingnsxreplacementnsxspyshots2008-06-28T09:03:00+00:00<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: Cobra Venom]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/25/rendered-speculation-cobra-venom/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/25/rendered-speculation-cobra-venom/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/25/rendered-speculation-cobra-venom/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


click the picture for a hi-res gallery of the Cobra Venom V8

The Cobra formula was simple: small British roadster + American V8 drivetrain = racing success. Early Cobras sought balance by utilizing Ford's modest 260 cubic-inch small block V8, but all Hell broke loose when a hairy-chested 427 cubic inch FE big block was installed. As a piece of history, and an exciting way to tickle your adrenal gland, the Cobra is legendary. The perennial practice of plucking a significant car from the 1960s and rehashing it, rather than coming up with something entirely new, has struck again, and now it looks like a new spin on the Cobra might be coming. The Cobra Venom V8 will undoubtedly be more refined than the visceral glory of the original Shelby vehicles, and while the concept images show a derivative car, it's still good looking; classic proportions never go out of style

A supercharged Ford modular V8 spinning out 524 horsepower is the intended power source, squirting the aluminum and carbon fiber coupe around with authority. 0-62 will come up in 3.4 seconds, on the way to a top speed of 214 mph. While the concept renderings look good and the specs sound impressive, we're not sure whether this vehicle exists beyond its concept renderings. If it ever does see the light of day, we'll be sure to climb in, fasten the harness and put on our helmet before complaining that it's really time to move on from the 60s. Then we'll attempt to tear up some track, Shelby style.

Gallery: Cobra Venom V8


[Source: Auto Express]



 

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]]>cobracobra venom v8CobraVenomV8shelby cobraShelbyCobra2008-06-25T19:27:00+00:00<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: Will this be the new Audi A7?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/20/rendered-speculation-will-this-be-the-new-audi-a7/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/20/rendered-speculation-will-this-be-the-new-audi-a7/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/20/rendered-speculation-will-this-be-the-new-audi-a7/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

We recently gave you details and showed you spy shots of Audi's forthcoming A7 four-door "coupe". Not much could be gleaned from the photos though, with the car looking much more like a sport camel than a sport sedan. A year ago, CAR magazine was passing out renderings of the A7 based on information it was getting from insiders. Their images were of an impossibly sleek -- and quite good looking -- stealthmobile that substituted a huge hatch for a trunk. Auto Express has new renderings of the car, and it maintains all the spirit of the CAR originals. It's still red and impossibly sleek, with a reptilian, evil eye front end treatment that says "Yeah, I'm lookin' at you..." We've been examining the wheel wells on the spy shots to see if they could really fit wheels as big as those on the rendering -- and we can't say for sure either way. If the 600-hp RS7 variant comes on feet that big, it'll be a serious looking car indeed. However, unless that rear end is hiding a hatch, you won't able to fit anything in the trunk except two-by-fours.

Gallery: 2010/11 Audi A7 - spy shots


[Source: Auto Express via German Car Blog]

 

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]]>a7audiaudi a7AudiA7four door coupeFourDoorCoupers7sedansedanssport sedansport sedansSportSedanSportSedans2008-06-20T18:03:00+00:00<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: 2010 Bentley Arnage going Continental? Nope]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/17/rendered-speculation-2010-bentley-arnage-going-continental/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/17/rendered-speculation-2010-bentley-arnage-going-continental/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/17/rendered-speculation-2010-bentley-arnage-going-continental/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The next Bentley Arnage is due in 2010, and thank heavens it won't be a biggie-sized clone of the Continental Flying Spur. That means we don't expect it to look so much like the rendering above, which is 75-percent Flying Spur with a GT tail. A bit long-in-the-tooth by modern replacement standards, the Arnage still sells about 600 - 800 units per year, which is not far behind the much newer Rolls-Royce Phantom.

The next Arnage will take advantage of Audi's spaceframe technology, which will ultimately be utilized by every car in the range. With a 150-kg-plus drop in the car's weight, your gas mileage should improve to a number you still won't care about if you can afford a Bentley.

Engine choices will remain in the all-gasoline family. Bentley says that there simply isn't demand for a diesel in one of its cars, and it's not going to put one out there to try and stimulate it. It might -- and we stress, might -- however, be looking for something to do with the quad-turbo W16 from the Veyron, and that could make for a very interesting Bentley indeed.

[Source: Autocar]

 

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]]>arnagearnage 2010Arnage2010bentleybentley arnagebentley arnage 2010bentley dieselbentley hybridBentleyArnageBentleyArnage2010BentleyDieselBentleyHybridw162008-06-17T17:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: 2010 Mazda9]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/12/rendered-speculation-2010-mazda9/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/12/rendered-speculation-2010-mazda9/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/12/rendered-speculation-2010-mazda9/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The Mazda 929 from the '90s was a rear-wheel-drive technological marvel that was ultimately unsuccessful because of its hefty price tag and Americans' infatuation with the SUV. Times have changed and big cars are cool again, with just about everybody on the market offering a large sedan. Mazda, however, is an obvious exception. The artists over at CGI Automotive decided to render out a future Mazda9 just for fun, and while it looks a bit awkward, the overall idea is pretty solid.

Out front, the blue rendering holds true to the design of the upcoming Mazda6, but Audi-like jewelry has been added to the headlamps and the lower air dams look aggressive and sporty. The bulging wheel arches borrow from the Mazda6 and RX-8, and the roof-line is tapered to give it the four-door coupe look. The one thing that would have to change is the hatchback, which might be OK on smaller Mazdas, but is unattractive for a large flagship sedan. Would we like to see a Mazda9 flagship sedan? Hell yes, the more Zoom Zoom the better. But it would have to be more distinctive and less hatch-like, or it'd suffer the same fate as the 929 of years gone by.

[Source: CGI Automotive via Carscoop]

 

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]]>4 door coupe4DoorCoupefordlarge sedanLargeSedanMazda6mazda9renderingRX-82008-06-12T16:59:00+00:00<![CDATA[Rumormill: Ford working on four-door Mondeo coupe]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/09/rumormill-ford-working-on-four-door-mondeo-coupe/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/09/rumormill-ford-working-on-four-door-mondeo-coupe/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/09/rumormill-ford-working-on-four-door-mondeo-coupe/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It seems most car buyers today have decided that the aesthetic advantages of the two-door coupe body style are not worth the ergonomic hassles of getting in and out of the back seat. To remedy that issue, most every automaker has or very soon will introduce a car with a coupe-like profile and extra doors to ease ingress/egress. This design trend runs the gamut from mainstream models like the VW Passat CC to near exotics like the Aston Martin Rapide and Porsche Panamera. Ford apparently doesn't want to miss out on this potentially profitable trend and may create a four-door coupe based on the best selling Mondeo.

If this rendering from CAR is anything by which to judge, the Mondeo coupe will take Kinetic design to a new extreme with a low profile greenhouse, frameless windows, and rear-door openings that are almost certain to induce some concussions. As the premium Mondeo (if indeed it wears that badge), it will get all the techno goodness one would expect of such a car in the 21st century. It may also carry a variant of the 2.7L diesel V6 that Ford has previously installed in Jaguars. Interestingly, the article also mentions AdBlue, which is the urea injection system used to reduce NOx emissions of diesel engines. If Ford adds urea injection, this engine could likely pass U.S. Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions and could even come to the States someday.

[Source: CAR]

 

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]]>four door coupeFourDoorCoupemondeomondeo coupemondeo four-door coupeMondeoCoupeMondeoFour-doorCoupepremium mondeoPremiumMondeo2008-06-09T07:58:00+00:00