Autoblog

New McLaren supercar expected for 2010

Jeremy Korzeniewski — 2008-05-09T10:13:00+00:00

Filed under: Supercars, Mercedes Benz, Rendered Speculation, Rumormill

With the mostly unloved Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren set to get the official axe in 2009, the path is clear for the next McLaren-branded supercar to be unveiled. Expected to be built at its facility in Woking, England, McLaren has plans for the as-yet-unnamed vehicle to compete with Ferrari's incredible F430. Rumored to be powered by a 550-horsepower V8 engine featuring a basic design snagged from Mercedes and built by Mahle (that of the former Cosworth tuning fame), the power-to-weight ratio should handily outdo that of the Prancing Horse. Shortly after the new coupe codenamed P11 is unveiled, a convertible version is also expected.

True hardcore McLaren enthusiasts should mark 2012 as the year that McLaren returns to form with a proper replacement for its awe-inspiring F1 of a few years back. Powered by a lightweight version of the P11 architecture, this car codenamed the P12 is expected to be powered by a V10 engine with over 600 horsepower. The waiting list will likely start right... about... now.

[Source: Autocar]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Green Genesis Coupe shows up, 286 hp turbo DI engine nearby?

Damon Lavrinc — 2008-05-06T18:38:00+00:00

Filed under: Coupes, Hyundai, Misc. Auto Shows, Rumormill

Click above for more shots of the Genesis Coupe at the Busan Auto Show.

Two things revealed at this year's New York Auto Show had our salivary glands working overtime. The first was the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, which proved that at least one automaker (and now, two and possibly three) is getting hip to the idea that a rear-wheel-drive, two-door coupe with a turbocharged four-cylinder is needed in the marketplace. The second was over at the Kia booth, where Hyundai's sub-brand revealed its Koup concept, powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline direct-injected (GDI) four-cylinder. According to Kia, this new mill makes 290 hp and 289 lb.-ft. of torque and could power several different models in both automaker's lineups.

Fast-forward to yesterday when we received a couple of tips about a green Genesis Coupe shown at the Busan Auto Show in South Korea. The coupe supposedly shared display space with the same THETA turbocharged GDI 2.0-liter on a separate stand, causing some members of GenFans to assume that the 290 ps (285 hp) engine was fitted to the green coupe. However, the "380GT" badge on the back reveals that the coupe is actually powered by the run-of-the-mill 3.8-liter V6.

We called up Hyundai to ask about the engine and the Coupe on display. Their response: "We're not commenting on it at this time." While we understand that certain cards have to be kept close to one's chest, it would have been easier just to tell us that the coupe on display and the engine at its booth have nothing in common. Since they're remaining disconcertingly tight-lipped, can we assume that the turbocharged 2.0-liter GDI will find its way into the Genesis Coupe in the future? We hope so. And with Hyundai's recent announcement that direct-injected engines are going to find their way into several of its models, it adds that much more fuel to the fire.

Gallery: Hyundai Genesis Coupe at Busan Auto Show

[Sources: Hyundai, GenFans]

Continue reading Green Genesis Coupe shows up, 286 hp turbo DI engine nearby?

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ford stock up thanks to Kerkorian, Volvo remains "not for sale"

Dan Roth — 2008-05-05T19:32:00+00:00

Filed under: Etc., Ford, Mercury, Volvo, Rumormill

Kirk Kerkorian's associate Jerry York stated last Thursday that Ford would do well to sell Volvo and extinguish Mercury. Coincidentally (or not) Ford's stock zoomed up to one of the highest price levels it's seen in the last six months. Tracinda Corporation, Kerkorian's firm, has expressed faith in Mulally's leadership and his plan to strengthen the automaker. There has been speculation about a sale of Volvo in the past, and punditry has been begging the Blue Oval to do something with Mercury, or put it out of its misery, for years.

While York seems certain that Volvo will be on the market in less than two years time, Ford continues to state that the Swedish subsidiary is not for sale. Looking at the Premier Auto Group shuffle of the last year, though, it could certainly be deduced that Volvo will indeed go on the market soon. Moving the brand out of the PAG location in Irvine, CA and back to Rockleigh, NJ, where Volvo had set up shop when it first started selling cars in the United States, is a move that set off whispers of impending sale. While it might be nothing more than right-sizing office space for Volvo now that the rest of the Premier Auto Group is gone, a cross country move is a deft way to trim operational fat without layoffs, and divorcing Volvo's North American operations from Ford locations makes an ownership transition easier, too. While Ford and Volvo products share a lot of engineering and parts, a well-negotiated deal wouldn't preclude a sale that gently phases out the currently entwined platforms as they age and replacements are brought to market.

[Source: Automotive News - sub req. - Photo: Bloomberg]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Nissan 360: the design future, and the new 370Z?

Jonathon Ramsey — 2008-04-29T20:03:00+00:00

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sports/GTs, Nissan, Rumormill

Click the image above for more hi-res shots of the 370Z and Infiniti design teasers.

There were crisp images of a blurry car being swapped and discussed today at Nissan 360. When Shiro Nakamura, the head designer at Nissan, revealed the barest hints of a car outline hidden behind a taut sheet of fabric, speculation began as to whether it represented the new Z. The arced flanges over the wheels, and the way they follow the wheels, have 370Z written all over them. However, it doesn't look as if it would fit this rendering exactly -- which is not a bad thing. All Nakamura would say is that we'll be seeing that wheel later this year, which, coincidentally, is when the next Z -- supposedly lighter and four inches shorter than the current car -- is slated to be unveiled.

The other design teaser was a top-view sculpture of future Infiniti design elements. Who knows what or how much of the elements -- like the ducktail rear -- will make it to the final product, and who knows what those features will look like when in production. But it's a good looking piece of art in its own right. A brace of edges peeking out from a sea of crimson undulations -- if they had thrown wheels on it I would have driven it out of the hotel last night.

Gallery: Nissan and Infiniti Design Studies

Our travel and lodging for this media event was provided by the manufacturer.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rumormill: Tata looking to buy stake in MV Agusta

Jeremy Korzeniewski — 2008-04-28T13:03:00+00:00

Filed under: Motorcycles, India, Tata, Rumormill

Click on the image above for pictures of the Brutale 910 R

Volkswagen may not be the only auto manufacturer interesting in a storied Italian motorcycle maker. Hot on the heels of its purchase of Jaguar and Land Rover, rumors are swirling that Tata may be considering purchasing a stake in MV Agusta. According to a few Indian and Italian sources, Ratan Tata, chairman of the Tata Group, is reportedly in talks with Claudio Castiglioni, the man running the show at MV Agusta.

Tata's involvement with MV Agusta could inject a unique flavor to the Indian conglomerate's portfolio, which has already been boosted by its acquisition of the two aforementioned classic British marques. A healthy injection of cash could do wonders for MV Agusta as well, considering what it has already proven capable of even in its currently meager financial position.

Gallery: MV Agusta Brutale 910R

[Sources: Faster and Faster, India Automotive, Motoblog]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

GT-R SUV that never was, nor will be

Justin Gardiner — 2008-04-28T12:00:00+00:00

Filed under: SUVs, Japan, Nissan, Rendered Speculation, Rumormill

Thankfully we can officially report that the humongously ugly rendering of a GT-R based SUV, which appeared in Best Car's early February edition, has no basis in reality. Reliable sources, both at Nissan's HQ in Tokyo and at the company's development center in Zama, who typically answer questions with non-committal "can neither confirm nor deny" statements, were adamant that no such project exists.

With the GT-R snatching the Porsche 911's crowns left, right and center, and the upcoming new hardcore Z rumoured to be a Cayman eater, Porsche can relax in the knowledge that the Cayenne, at least, is safe for now.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rumormill: BMW diesels on sale in the U.S. mid-October

Michael Harley — 2008-04-22T09:29:00+00:00

Filed under: Green, BMW, Rumormill

Click above for more images of BMW's new diesels

The BMW X5 xDrive35d and 335d, both revealed live at the Detroit Auto Show, will be coming to the States in mid-October according to the latest rumor. The common engine will be BMW's dual turbocharged 3.0L inline-six diesel, good for 265 hp and 425 pound-feet of torque. According to BMW, these two vehicles will be among the most fuel-efficient and best performing in their respective classes. In addition, with their urea injection system and particulate filters, they should be among the cleanest too.

We called our contacts within BMW to confirm or deny the rumor, and as expected, our sources could only reiterate BMW's previous official statements that the cars would be "out by fall."

Gallery: Detroit 2008: BMW diesels

[Source: BMW Blog]

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rumormill: Ferrari F149 specs leaked

Noah Joseph — 2008-04-21T13:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Sports/GTs, Ferrari, Rumormill

Click above for high-res gallery of Ferrari F149 spy shots

In advance of its highly anticipated unveiling at this year's Paris Motor Show, Ferrari has reportedly given some of its best customers and biggest dealers a sneak preview of its upcoming front-engined entry-level GT. Keeping that kind of information secret would be like trying to drink out of a colander, but with all its leaks we suspect that some of the details may have gotten a little distorted.

According to the information, Project F149 (known tentatively as the GT California) will be powered by a 4.7-liter V8 producing around 480-500 horsepower. The engine would likely be based on the one found in the Alfa 8C and Maserati GranTurismo S, but the output projections suggest the engine would be retuned for Maranello's application, possibly with the aid of direct injection. The information also points towards a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox, however the new model is more likely to stick with Ferrari's quick-shifting paddle-shifter. The folding hardtop suggested by the hunch-backed test mule is confirmed in the leaked details, and the F149 is also expected to come with a long list of extra equipment, including all manner of multimedia connectivity and a new Becker satnav system.

The bigger picture painted is that of a "baby 599", which would seem an odd reversal of policy for Ferrari since the brand has tried to distinguish each model since the 550 Maranello and F355 took different directions from the previous Testarossa and 348. We'll just have to wait as Paris inches closer to see exactly what Ferrari has in store for us. Thanks for the tip, Sam!

Gallery: Ferrari Dino - spy shots

[Source: Autogespot]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

5.0L V8 could return in 2010 Mustang

Drew Phillips — 2008-04-16T15:56:00+00:00

Filed under: Sports/GTs, Ford, Rumormill

The pressure is on now for Ford, which has had the ponycar market to itself for the better part of a decade. With the return of the Chevy Camaro and Dodge Challenger, Ford will surely be stepping up the Mustang's performance when it receives a makeover for 2010. In an interview with stuff.co.nz, Bill Osborne, President of Ford Australia, claims that Ford is considering using a 5.0L V8 for the new Falcon - the same engine being developed for the upcoming Mustang. While nothing has been officially confirmed by Ford, this is further evidence that the 5.0 will be making a return since it was dropped from the Mustang back in 1995.

Assuming the 5.0 V8 will be available for the 2010 Mustang, there are many questions that still remain. It's possible the 5.0 could become standard, but it could also be reserved for use in a special edition Mustang like a Boss or Mach 1. There is also the question of how the engine is being developed. The simplest answer is that it will be based on the current modular V8 architecture and could be a stroked version of the 4.6L V8.

We would love to see something similar to the 5.0 V8 in the Saleen Parnelli Jones Limited Edition Mustang that we sampled last year. With 400 bhp and 390 lb-ft of torque, it was a smooth and powerful engine that suited the Mustang well.

[Source: Stuff.co.nz via MustangEvolution.com]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rumormill: Next BMW 7 Series to offer four-wheel steering?

Michael Harley — 2008-04-15T14:28:00+00:00

Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Euro, BMW, Rumormill

Just yesterday, we reported that the new BMW 7 Series (F01) will be fitted with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Now we are hearing rumors that the 2009 flagship sedan will be available with four-wheel steering, as well. While we understand the consumer-driven technology battle going on between the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Audi A8 and BMW 7 Series, the addition of a four-wheel steer option (with the added mechanical complexity and weight) just doesn't seem to make much sense to us these days - the '80s are over. The 7 Series isn't designed as a canyon carver, so we can rule out the handling advantages. Integrated "all around" cameras and parking sensors have simplified parking, so that's not an excuse. Lastly, sophisticated electronics can now modulate brakes, throttle and even the steering rack to compensate for vehicle instability. BMW is understandably tight-lipped about details... and this type of feature is obviously difficult to discern from spy shots. Drat!

[Source: BMW Blog]

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Jeep Commander could meet its demise in 2009

Jonathon Ramsey — 2008-04-14T19:02:00+00:00

Filed under: SUVs, Chrysler, Jeep, Rumormill

According to Bloomberg, the demise of the Jeep Commander is but a year away. Anonymous sources inside Chrysler told the news service that with a 43-percent decline this year, which follows declines every year since its first full year on the market, the Commander is surrendering its command.

The SUV's end was claimed to be due to gas prices, since a V8 Commander averages about 17 MPG. However, exorbitant (for America) gas prices haven't killed a number of other vehicles that don't even do that well, so that reasoning makes us wonder. What makes more sense is that in addition to the sales plunge, the Commander was stealing an unexpectedly high number of sales from the Grand Cherokee. In a cozy pool, every little bit of water counts.

If it's true, we have to admit we're sorry the Commander is going away. Some people have taken its boxy simplicity for blah-what-boredom, but it was just the kind of Jeep we like: straightforward, capable, roomy (no, we never put seven people in it), and a solid driver. Obviously we don't speak for the masses, but Commander, you will be missed.

[Source: Bloomberg]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Fiat to produce budget car?

Noah Joseph — 2008-04-13T13:25:00+00:00

Filed under: Trends, Economy, FIAT, Rumormill

It's hard to imagine, but Fiat is rumored to be developing an even smaller car than the 500 and Panda. The new model would be a low-cost vehicle targeted at markets in South America, Russia, India and China.

Depending on how the Italian automaker determines a budget automobile would reflect on the company's other products, the vehicle could be marketed under the Fiat nameplate, or possibly under a different one altogether. If the company decides it will wear the Fiat badge, it could revive the Uno nameplate and effectively replace the Palio (pictured above), which currently serves as Fiat's "world car", with production in Brazil, India, Turkey, South Africa, North Korea and China, in hatchback, sedan, wagon and pickup body-styles. Fiat's close relations with Tata, makers of the Nano, could come into play, but one way or another, nobody does small cars like Fiat, so the competition had better take note.

[Source: paultan.org]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rumormill: 2009 Acura TL coming in 2 flavors, gets AWD

Alex Nunez — 2008-04-12T22:41:00+00:00

Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Acura, Rumormill

Honda/Acura had its 2009 dealer meeting in New Orleans last week, and a little birdie that claims to have attended has whispered some details about the 2009 Acura TL in our ears. According to our anonymous tipster, the '09 TL range will consist of two models. The front-wheel-drive car will be powered by a 3.5L V6 delivering 280 horsepower. The step-up version will feature SH AWD and have a 3.7L, 300-horsepower V6 underhood (presumably the same one used in the MDX). We're told the latter car is not a Type-S, by the way -- that trim level goes back into hibernation with the arrival of the '09. Word is, the car "looks amazing." The TL in its current state is Acura's best-looking vehicle, so our curiosity is definitely piqued.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rumormill: Ford may drop manual from Super Duty lineup

Dan Roth — 2008-04-12T13:02:00+00:00

Filed under: Trucks/Pickups, Etc., Ford, Rumormill

It's an unconfirmed rumor that Ford's going to make its Super Duty pickups shiftless, but the mere whiff of a reduction in choices is likely set enthusiasts afire with rage. The merits of standard versus automatic transmissions in trucks that routinely tow and generally work hard is a debate for another time, but the real crux of the biscuit comes down to cost. As it stands now, you can get a Power Stroke diesel with a manual for $1500 less than a self-shifter. If Ford removes the standard transmission from its Power Stroke offerings, does that mean that it will pass some of the savings on to consumers by reducing the price of the automatic? Not bloody likely. A more probable scenario would see the price of the Power Stroke option rising.

[Source: Four Wheeler]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rumormill: Fisker designed Tesla's upcoming Whitestar sedan

Sam Abuelsamid — 2008-04-11T11:28:00+00:00

Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Sedans/Saloons, Green, Rumormill

Click above for high-res live gallery of the Fisker Karma

A site of which this blogger previously wasn't aware is reporting that the body of the soon-to-be-revealed Tesla WhiteStar sedan was originally penned by one Henrik Fisker. According to Street Import Online, a mole deep within San Carlos has spilled the beans that the designer who recently unveiled his own plug-in hybrid super sedan, the Fisker Karma (above), had previously been contracted by Tesla Motors for its second product. According to Street Import Online, Tesla had backed out of a deal to have Fisker create the body for the WhiteStar electric sedan but kept the design.

We contacted Tesla's Marketing VP Darryl Siry to verify the accuracy of this story, and Siry declined to either confirm or deny the report, which you can interpret however you choose. If the story is true, it may well have prompted Fisker to pursue building a similar vehicle under his own name, which led to the Karma. The WhiteStar sedan is planned as a battery electric sedan, although Tesla has acknowledged that is also developing a range-extended electric hybrid version. Regardless of who actually drew the WhiteStar, Tesla has said it plans to reveal the sedan's design later this Spring after it begins delivering a steady stream of EV Roadsters. Thanks for the tip, Jose!

Update: Our own sources indicate that Tesla is not using the Fisker design for the final car. Other than having four doors and a similar number of wheels, the Whitestar is completely different from the Fisker proposal.

[Source: Street Import Online]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

2009 BMW Z4 to be offered with either soft- or hard-top

John Neff — 2008-04-11T10:58:00+00:00

Filed under: Convertibles, BMW, Rumormill

The BMW Blog, which is fast becoming our main resource for news regarding the propellor brand, is reporting that the 2009 Z4 will be offered both as a soft-top convertible and a hard-top. Much like Mazda offers the MX-5 with a traditional softy and a separate model with a folding hard top, BMW will reportedly do the same for the Z4. In this competitive market for the upper middle class dollar, BMW will be able to satisfy traditionalists and performance purists who like the ease-of-use and lighter weight of a soft-top convertible, while also addressing the needs of buyers who want a Z4 that's useable all year round. The Z4's main competition, the Mercedes-Benz SLK, is only offered as a hard-top convertible, which also gives BMW a leg up on its main rival in this segment. It's hard to argue with an automaker offering customers more choice, and we're eager to see how the Z4's unique styling blends with a hard roof. We've already seen spy pics of the car wearing the metal roof, which led many of us to believe that the new hard top would be the only option. We'll have to wait and see whether BMW Blog got it right and the brand it favors will be offering both, but this blog has been right before. Thanks for the tip, Horatiu!

[Source: BMW Blog]

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ford shows the SVT Raptor to dealers

Chris Shunk — 2008-04-10T06:58:00+00:00

Filed under: Trucks/Pickups, Ford, Rumormill

As the days go on, the much rumored F-150 Raptor is becoming less wild speculation and more solid reality. Dealers were given a glimpse of the forth-coming truck at the Ford Dealer Show in Las Vegas, and they haven't shied away from spilling the beans regarding what they saw. Ford marketing boss Jim Farley unveiled the Ford-embossed front grille of the baja F-150, then showed video of a juiced-up off-road mule tearing it up in the desert.

Farley also revealed some details about the Raptor's new powerplant, which is believed to be the 6.2L "BOSS" V8. Power was quoted at 380 hp, but both PickupTruck.com and Four Wheeler believe Ford is sand-bagging on the engine's real power quotient, which they feel will be in the ballpark of 420 ponies. We're guessing 420 would be a much more appropriate number considering the size of the engine and rumors that the truck may be formally labeled as an SVT product. Dealers were also shown one of the Raptor's long-travel shocks, which was built by Fox Racing especially for the Raptor and has a full 12 inches of travel.

Ford is reportedly very excited about the Raptor, and execs allegedly went as far as saying that the Blue Oval was going to drive the truck "right up Toyota's ass." Ouch, we hope that's a metaphor. At this time there is no word as to when the Raptor will be available to customers, but since it's being shown to dealers, it likely isn't too far off.

Gallery: Ford F150 "Raptor" - Spy Shots

[Source: PickupTruck and Four Wheeler]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rumormill: BMW working on twin-turbo four-cylinder?

Alex Nunez — 2008-04-09T11:27:00+00:00

Filed under: Euro, BMW, Rumormill

Here's a juicy one. BMW Blog reports that it has two unnamed, independent sources who have spoken of a high-revving (how does 11,000 rpm sit with you?) new four-cylinder being developed for use in the 1-series. The power target of this fantasy mill is said to be 220 to 260 horsepower, and it would theoretically be offered in both naturally aspirated and twin-turbocharged forms.

If this rumor actually comes to pass (something that is far from guaranteed, to say the least), we're told to expect a 2010 release. Take it all with a very healthy dose of salt. That said, squeezing more power out of less engine is going to be a continuing trend as governments tighten the screws regarding fuel economy and emissions targets, so efforts from BMW in this realm wouldn't be the least bit surprising. We hope this rumor comes true, if only to be able to point to a shiny new 1-series coupe and say, "Ours goes to eleven... thousand."

[Source: BMW Blog]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments