Autoblog

It looks like the Hemi engine, an icon for the Chrysler Corporation, won't be included in forthcoming applications due to changing fuel economy standards. Rising gas prices have already hurt sales of vehicles featuring these engines, causing Chrysler to cut back production. Now co-president Jim Press has declared, "The Hemi is not the powertrain of the future." Similar to the direction taken by GM, Chrysler is banking on newly developed V6 powerplants to take the reigns from current V8 options. These Phoenix engines are scheduled to hit production in 2009.

The Hemi engine's downfall is its inability to adapt to features proven to increase efficiency. The large combustion chamber design and dual valve structure leads to blow-by of unburned fuel, thus producing large levels of undesired emissions. The use of dual spark plugs has improved burn in the hemispherical combustion chamber, however, it's a solution that increased cost and complexity. More modern and efficient chamber structures, unlike the Hemi, can fit four valves and utilize dual overhead camshafts. Chrysler plans to implement these features into their future V6 engines, along with cylinder deactivation and variable valve timing.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Come 2009, Chrysler's "Phoenix" V6 will begin to be built in Derramadero, Mexico, as the automaker seeks to increase the availability of more fuel-efficient engines. The plant, located near the automaker's Dodge Ram factory, will employ 485 workers, churn out 440,000 units each year and will cost $570 million to build.

Since Chrysler intends to outfit 20 new models with the aluminum block V6 in the next three years, the new plant in Mexico will work alongside the new Trenton plant, which the automaker broke ground on last month.

[Source: Detroit News]

The Fiesta badge has been worn by small Fords the world over for more than 30 years, but it may not survive the arrival of the next-generation car according to reports. Apparently people inside Ford believe the new model is such a radical departure from the current model (shown above) that dropping the long-running moniker would be appropriate.

Just-auto.com reports that Ford has investigated three new names and registered a fourth. Genesis, Isis and Phoenix are already being checked for any prior claims by other companies. We suspect Hyundai might have something to say about who owns the "Genesis" badge. The name Cuga, meanwhile, has actually been registered by Ford, though we're not sure if it reserves the name for the new Fiesta or just to prevent other companies from using it and detracting from the Cougar name, which is also a revered name owned by Ford.

There are some inside Ford who believe the Fiesta name should be not so carelessly tossed aside. They make a good case, as the Fiesta name has earned a lot of credibility and cachet since it was first introduced in 1976. At the same time, the next-generation Fiesta will be the most global version of the car ever produced. The name Fiesta means very little to consumers in the U.S., and in fact, may remind some of the Festiva, which would be a bad thing. Either way, the next-gen Fiesta will be sold in the U.S. when it arrives in late 2009. Call it whatever you want, we just want to drive it.

[Source: just-auto.com, sub. req'd]

Less is more when it comes to exotic sportscars. Less weight, that is. Enthusiasts know that taking extra weight out of a sportscar makes it go faster. No wonder, then, that the Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera that was unveiled last month at the Geneva show was such a hit.

Although Lamborghinis are decidedly built for the road, the results of the Gallardo's high-perfomance diet can best be seen (and heard) on the race track. This video comes courtesy of the Swedish Auto Motor & Sport, who took the new Superleggera out for a spin at the Phoenix International Raceway in Arizona. Follow the jump and turn up your speakers, 'cause this is one raging bull with a sweet sound.

1911 Rolls-Royce 40/50HP Silver Ghost ROI Des Belges

The history of Lot 264 can be traced its build date of March 3, 1911, when it was shipped to N. Gatti in London on April 24th. From there the 1911 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost, Chassis No. 1574 was sold several times, including to Millard Newman in Florida, who had it meticulously restored and added to his collection. After Newman's death, the car's new owner put it through another extensive restoration, won several Concours awards, then brought it to Arizona where it was auctioned for $725,000, Friday. It was by far the best-preserved and most beautiful of three super rare Silver Ghosts auctioned at RM.

Make the jump to check out the two other Rollers that left the auction block.

Perhaps its the fact that there are thousands of doddering septuagenarians plying area roads, but Miami, Florida has just been dubbed America's least courteous drivers. Or to put a finer point on it, they've got some road rage and rude driving issues. A new AutoVantage survey of 2,000 adult commuters in 20 major cities has concluded that Miami has the worst road etiquette. The Norwalk, Connecticut company's phone survey also found a lot of negative feelings in:

• Phoenix, Arizona
• New York, New York
• Los Angeles, California
• Boston, Massachusetts

And there must be something to the whole 'Minnesota Nice' thing, as Minneapolis topped the list of friendliest commuter cities. Other top finishers included:

• Nashville, Tennessee
• St. Louis, Missouri
• Seattle, Washington
• Atlanta, Georgia

AutoVantage questioned participants on everything from obvious displays of motoring anger (middle fingers, cutting off other cars, tailgating, etc.), turn signal use, talking on the phone, and 'driving too fast.'

[Source: The Associated Press via CNN.com]

(Top Tip, Evan!)