Autoblog

REPORT: 2011 Hyundai Sonata won't offer a V6

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 09:26:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, LA Auto Show, Sedan, Hyundai

2010 Hyundai Sonata - Click above for high-res image gallery

Just a few days ago we saw the first images of the all-new Hyundai Sonata as it was introduced in South Korea. The Korean press release only mentioned two powertrain options, a 2.0-liter four cylinder and a 2.4-liter direct-injected four. No reference was made to a V6 such as the one offered in the current-generation Sonata. Ward's reports that they have been told even the North American-market Sonata will go four-cylinder only.

The current Sonata V6 only accounts for just 15 percent of total sales, and with the DI engine becoming standard in the new model, the larger engine likely be even less popular. We checked with Hyundai spokesman Dan Bedore, who responded "We have officially declined to comment further on that report." Bedore did tell us that further announcements would be coming at either the Los Angeles or Detroit Auto Show when the US model is revealed. The one thing we do know for sure is that a Sonata hybrid is coming later in 2010. Thanks for the tip, Derrick!

Gallery: 2010 Hyundai Sonata (KDM version)

[Source:Ward's Auto World]

REPORT: 2011 Hyundai Sonata won't offer a V6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 Sep 2009 09:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Porsche working on harder Panamera

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:13:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Porsche

2010 Porsche Panamera - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Porsche plans to expand its Panamera line-up to include three new powerplants - a Volkswagen-sourced V6, a diesel and some manner of hybrid - but in addition to offering new engines, the automaker may offer a harder, more performance-oriented model to slot in above the Turbo.

Similar to the strategy Porsche employed with the Cayenne, this new model - which could be dubbed the Turbo S or GTS - would nix the Turbo model's standard air suspension and instead fit a set of performance-tuned springs and shocks to maximize grip and on-track prowess.

As for future powertrains, a senior Porsche executive told Autocar that VAG's V6 and V8 diesels could be fitted to future Panameras, and we wouldn't be surprised to find the new Audi S4's supercharged, petrol-powered 3.0-liter V6 in Porsche's first production sedan in the coming years.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Porsche Panamera

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Porsche working on harder Panamera originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: 2011 Ford Mustang to finally get new 3.7-liter DOHC V6

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Technology, Ford, Rumormill

2010 Ford Mustang GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

When the 2010 Mustang was unveiled at the LA Auto Show last November, a collective groan arose from the crowd when it was revealed that the 2009 engine lineup was essentially being carried over. This was particularly true for the base V6 model being propelled by the ancient 4.0-liter V6 which dates back to the 2.8-liter Capri engine of the 1970s. At the debut, Ford asked us to be patient and promised that powertrain upgrades were forthcoming.

Ever since the 3.5-liter V6 debuted in the Edge and Lincoln MKX a couple of years back, Mustang have fans have wanted to see it under the hood of their favorite pony. The problem is that engine was designed for transverse front-wheel drive applications and needed some significant reworking to go into rear-drive layouts. That work has been ongoing in order to mount the new twin-turbo EcoBoost version in the F-150 pickup next year. This work is expected to translate into a normally aspirated version of the 3.5 or 3.7-liter V6 for the ponycar about a year from now, likely for the 2011 model year.

In fact, it's now being reportedly by The Mustang News that Ford showed a 3.7-liter Mustang at an employee townhall meeting recently, although no specs were revealed. In the MKS, the 3.7 churns out 273 hp with port fuel injection. With direct injection coming to the 3.5 EcoBoost, a normally aspirated DI 3.7 can't be out of the question either, with 300+ hp to match the heavier Chevrolet Camaro. Now, about that V8... Thanks to Shibby9505 for the tip!

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Mustang GT

[Source: TheMustangNews.com]
Photos Copyright (C)2008 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

REPORT: 2011 Ford Mustang to finally get new 3.7-liter DOHC V6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Jun 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Next Lotus Esprit could be powered by Lexus V10

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 27 May 2009 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Supercars, Lotus, UK, Rumormill

Lotus' relationship with Toyota could extend beyond supplying drivetrains for the Elise, Exige and Evora, with three new engines sourced from Lexus rumored to be fitted to the 2012 Lotus Esprit. According to EVO, a choice of three Esprits will be available for any (thick) wallet, including a 300 hp version packing Toyota's direct injected V6, a 417 hp model that would make use of the Lexus IS F's 5.0-liter V8 and, at the top of the range, a V10-powered Esprit packing the yet-to-be-released Lexus LF-A's 500+ hp engine.

Additionally, the alliance with Toyota could make good on Lotus' recent push for eco-friendly motoring. The Hethel-based automaker has repeated said that lightweight platforms and fuel-efficient drivetrains are a top priority, going so far as renaming its powertrain engineering arm the "propulsion systems" division. As such, an "Eco Esprit" could be available with a reworked version of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive.

The recently launched Evora will be the basis for the next Esprit, and considering the quick turnaround - a mere 27 months - for the Evora to go from concept to production, Lotus has the ability to bring the new Esprit to market quicker than ever. If the Evora's a hit, then we should be seeing the Esprit on roads in Europe, the UK and the US by 2012, with a price somewhere north of £100,000 for the V10-powered variant.

[Source: EVO]

Rumormill: Next Lotus Esprit could be powered by Lexus V10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 May 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Joy of Six: 2010 Chevy Camaro V6 RS

Alex Nunez — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Coupe, Chevrolet, Reviews

2010 Chevy Camaro V6 RS - Click above for high-res image gallery

The V6 Chevrolet Camaro. This is supposed to be a joke, right? The bent-six Camaro was Detroit's version of the triple-white Volkswagen Rabbit Cabriolet - only girly-girls needed apply. In the case of the Camaro, said chicks generally had big hair, cranked Slaughter on the ACDelco cassette player and actually used the ashtrays in the manner for which they were designed. If you were a guy driving a V6 (or, God forbid, an Iron Duke four) Chevy Camaro during the time Def Leppard boasted its original lineup, well, that was terribly unfortunate. The dudes with Z28s and IROCs doubtless sniggered as you rolled by with that exquisite rental-car exhaust note. This "Six Stigma" applied right through to the F-Body's demise in 2002. So let's be honest with one another: the six-cylinder car was for hairdressers. Which brings us to today, and the arrival of the new, 2010 Chevrolet Camaro V6. After driving the SS during the week of the New York Auto Show, we were prepared to be bitterly disappointed with the pre-production six-cylinder Camaro RS that The General sent us a few days later. So much for that. Preconceptions? Obliterated.

Gallery: The Joy of Six: 2010 Chevy Camaro V6 RS

Continue reading The Joy of Six: 2010 Chevy Camaro V6 RS

The Joy of Six: 2010 Chevy Camaro V6 RS originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Apr 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler's flexible new Pentastar V6

Noah Joseph — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 09:27:00 EST

Filed under: Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Electric

While the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee wowed the crowds in New York, what lies beneath could be a key to Chrysler's recovery. The new 3.6-liter V6, called Pentastar after the company's five-pointed-star logo, replaces seven - count 'em, seven - of Chrysler's aging engines, and stands as the outcome of several years of development.

The all-aluminum DOHC Pentastar V6, as applied in the new Jeep, offers a 33% increase in power and 11% improvement in the torque department over the engine it replaces, for a husky 280 horsepower and 260 lb-ft -- all while returning 11% better fuel economy and helping Chrysler trim its overall, range-wide CAFE emissions by two miles per gallon by 2015. But the key to the engine's success could be its flexibility: not only is it designed as a flex-fuel engine, burning either gasoline or E85 ethanol with no effect on either output or emissions (no mean feat in and of itself), but the new Pentastar will find its way into a wide variety of vehicles, including Chryslers, Dodges and Jeeps, but also Alfa Romeos. That ought to serve as an extra bargaining chip in the vital negotiations between Chrysler LLC and the Fiat Group. Under the pending reciprocal arrangement between Detroit and Turin, the Pentastar could end up motivating several new Alfas, including the replacements to the 159 and Brera, to name just two, while Chrysler reaps the rewards in the form of Fiat Powertrain Technologies' advanced fours. Follow the jump to read more about the new Pentastar V6 in the press release and click the image on the right for a high-res pic.

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Chrysler's flexible new Pentastar V6

Chrysler's flexible new Pentastar V6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Apr 2009 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Brand new 1988 Pontiac Fiero GT on sale, just $35k!

Chris Paukert — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Etc., Pontiac

Click above for a gallery of the 1988 Pontiac Fiero GT that time forgot

So you're a Pontiac diehard, but you don't need the space of the G8 GT GXP and the Solstice GXP is just a bit too "me too." So what's a Big Chief enthusiast to do? Well, if you've got $35,000 kicking around in your automotive slush fund, how about a brand-new, never-titled 1988 Pontiac Fiero GT? The mid-engined, V6 Fiero that General Motors should have been building the whole time, but only got around to developing just before they sent they took the plastic-bodied model out back? Yes, that GT.

Evidently thinking ahead, some enterprising chap found a fire-engine red example and promptly mothballed it. Quite likely the only "brand new" Fiero on the planet (GT or otherwise), this time warp rear-driver has just 221 miles on it, and is still on MSO. Heck, we're willing to bet that the cassette player has never even seen a copy of White Snake's Greatest Hits!

If you're interested, the optimistically-priced but irreplacable Fiero can be found at Hinton Chevrolet-Buick in Lynden, Washington. Thanks for the tip, Farris!

Gallery: Timewarp 1988 Pontiac Fiero GT

[Source: Autotrader]

Brand new 1988 Pontiac Fiero GT on sale, just $35k! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche Panamera image and details leak out

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 19:50:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Porsche

According to AutoTelegraaf, the image above is the first official picture of the Porsche Panamera, showing the new four-door "coupe" in all its oddly proportioned glory. The Dutch pub released the image and details on the sedan after Auto Motor und Sport supposedly broke the Monday embargo. More details will be released late Sunday night, but in the meantime, let's look at the reported specs.

The Porsche Panamera Gran Turismo is 16.3 feet long, 6.3 feet wide and 4.66 feet tall, with a wheelbase of 9.6 feet. Weight hasn't been disclosed, but its roughly two tons. The most striking detail on the profile shot is the indentations leading from the front fenders, aft of the wheels, into the doors, but the jury is still out on the Panamera's bulbous back end. The slippery shape and low profile gives the sedan a drag coefficient of 0.29, while an electronically actuated rear spoiler will keep things planted at speed.

An electronic air suspension is part of the package, along with an LSD, and power can be sent to either the rear wheels, or all four, depending on the trim level. Motivation will be provided by a range of engines, beginning with 3.6-liter V6 putting out 300 hp, and continuing upwards with the 400 hp, 4.8-liter V8 Panamera S and the Panamera Turbo, packing a twin-turbocharged version of the same bent eight putting out an estimated 500 hp. Power will be sent to Porsche's new PDK dual-clutch gearbox and although a diesel model has been ruled out, a V6-hybrid variant with 350 hp will come along at a later date.

Porsche aims to sell approximately 20,000 units of the Panamera each year, with the automaker estimating that 20% will be the range-topping Turbo model. The Panamera will only be available in S and Turbo guises at launch, with the V6 model following shortly thereafter. Once established, Porsche hopes demand will increase to 50,000 units annually, with sales beginning in the U.S., Europe and Asia next year. Thanks for the tip, Jelle!

UPDATE: More photos have surfaced.

Gallery: Porsche Panamera Gran Turismo

[Source: AutoTelegraaf]

Porsche Panamera image and details leak out originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 19:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW slashes V8 engine production in favor of fours

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Green, Plants/Manufacturing, BMW

The new BMW 7-Series has just stepped out from behind the curtain, and it's taken the stage to a house only half full. Demand for BMW's big engines has dropped so low that the house of the roundel says it can make enough 8-bangers to satisfy the world's demand using just one shift for four days.

A member of BMW's supervisory board put it plainly: "We are producing the wrong engines here." Even the sixes, the center of BMW's engine constellation, are being taken out of production in Munich to be replaced by those with two fewer cylinders in 2011. When the phase-out is complete, the company will be able to build 560,000 4-cylinders per annum. Care for a BMW 716i, anyone?

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

BMW slashes V8 engine production in favor of fours originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 Acura TL fully revealed

Alex Nunez — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 09:22:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Acura

Click above for more photos of the 2009 Acura TL

The floodgates will open on the '09 Acura TL soon enough, but in the meantime, Inside Line has posted a set of press photos and confirmed the car's final specs. As has been previously reported, there are two versions: a base 3.5L front-drive car with 285 horses and the range-topping TL SH-AWD, which gets a 305-horsepower 3.7L V6. The Type S is history, replaced in essence by the SH-AWD. Both TL models are mated to 5-speed automatics, and a stiffer chassis should help make time spent behind the wheel more engaging.

Inside, the layout is one that should be familiar to anyone who's spent time in a new Honda or Acura. Metallic-look wings arc out from a center stack topped by a multifunction LCD screen and finished at the bottom by Honda's all-in-one controller for audio/info/nav interfaces. In short, techno-gadgetry abounds. The new TL is a larger car than it predecessor, with a 1.4-inch longer wheelbase and 6.2 inches added to its overall length. Consequently, interior space also improves over the outgoing sedan.

While the current-gen TL is Acura's most attractive vehicle, we have a feeling the new-for-2009 edition may not age as gracefully. The new corporate shield grille is in place, adding bling to the nose and offering enough frontal reflective surface to repel a Klingon phaser bombardment. If you miss the obviously-an-Acura front end, you might need to do a double-take to recognize in profile thanks to a C-pillar kink that apes BMW...and Infiniti, and the Jaguar XF, just to name a few. Out back, the trunklid repeats the shield motif that started up front. Regarding the car's styling, there's much for you to discuss in the comments below. Stay tuned for plenty more information and our first drive impressions of the new TL in the days to come.

Gallery: 2009 Acura TL

[Source: Inside Line]

2009 Acura TL fully revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 09 Aug 2008 09:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi RS4 to get supercharged V6, R8 V10 to remain NA

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 09:04:00 EST

Filed under: Audi

CAR sat down with a "high-placed Audi source" at the European launch of the Q5 and was able to pry out a few details about the automaker's future products.

To begin with, the next RS4 will use a retuned version of the supercharged, 3.0-liter V6 due to be fitted on the next S4. Audi's unnamed engineering mole said that the decision to go with the supercharged six was primarily to provide higher torque at lower RPMs. With the base engine putting out 290 hp and 310 lb.-ft. of torque, it's assumed that the tweaked version should crest the 350 hp mark and just under 400 lb.-ft. of torque. How that will play in the inevitable comparison test between the RS4's V8-powered competition remains to be seen.

The A1 is still set to debut in 2010, but despite its aim at MINI, Audi won't resort to retro styling. Based off the next Polo, the A1 will spawn several variants, including three- and five-door hatches, a convertible and an off-roader. While Audi has no plans to build anything smaller than the A1, it does plan to increase the size of the A3, along with offering a Q3 CUV inspired by the Cross Coupe Quattro concept.

And what of the R8? The V10 version is on its way this fall, but a turbocharged variant isn't in the cards, nor is the V12 TDI. And while Audi has continued to deny that it's working on an R4, CAR's source says that there's still room in the automaker's lineup for another R-badged vehicle.

[Source: CAR]

Audi RS4 to get supercharged V6, R8 V10 to remain NA originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jul 2008 09:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford working on high-performance Fusion GT, EcoBoost 'Stang on hold

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Ford

"The poor man's Audi S4." That's what Motor Trend is tentatively dubbing the Ford Fusion GT, an EcoBoost-powered, SVT-massaged version of the automaker's staid sedan. According to the buff book, Ford will equip the Fusion GT with a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, producing around 340 hp, still short of the engines 415 hp capabilities. Instead of trying to shovel that much grunt through the front wheels, Ford will tap Haldex to supply a part-time all-wheel-drive system to aid grip and limit torque steer, and it's possible that a paddle-shifted six-speed auto 'box could be part of the package.

The Fusion GT would be the fourth model to benefit from Ford's line of EcoBoost engines, which currently power the Lincoln MKS, Ford Flex and forthcoming Lincoln MKR. Four-cylinder versions are in the pipeline and are expected to power the entry-level Fusion in 2010, along with a high-performance version of the Focus and another version of the Edge crossover. EcoBoosted sixes are also rumored to be motivating Ford's downsized F100 pickup, but according to MT, a blown V6 for the next Mustang is on hold.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Ford working on high-performance Fusion GT, EcoBoost 'Stang on hold originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Jul 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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V6 could join Pontiac Sport Truck lineup

Michael Harley — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 12:57:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Pontiac

Click on the image above for our high-res live gallery of the 2010 Pontiac G8 ST

Even the most die-hard enthusiast, dreaming about the 361-hp 6.0-liter V8 under the hood of the upcoming Pontiac G8 Sport Truck, must be having second thoughts about the cost of feeding that thirsty powerplant. With fuel prices rising significantly in just the last few months, the folks at Pontiac are rumored to be considering a six-cylinder option for the G8 ST. The engine, if it finds its way under the hood, would be the same 256-hp 3.6-liter V6 found in the entry-level Pontiac G8 sedan. Not due until the 2010 model year, the V6-powered G8 ST would share the sedan's EPA fuel economy ratings of 17/25, making the sport truck a more feasible for buyers that want to jettison their daily-driven pickups for something with better fuel economy and a bit of utility.

Gallery: 2010 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck - Live Reveal

Gallery: 2010 Pontiac G8 ST

[Source: G8Nation]

V6 could join Pontiac Sport Truck lineup originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jul 2008 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris Preview: Audi to unveil supercharged S4

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Paris Motor Show, Audi

We knew that the new Audi S4 was due to be unveiled within the next six months, but CAR was able to confirm that the supercharged sled will make an official appearance at the Paris Motor Show this September. As previously reported, the new S4 will ditch its 4.2-liter V8 in favor of a new supercharged 3.0-liter V6 producing around 350 hp - a few ponies more than the current S4's output.

CAR got the details about the new S4 while running the twin-clutch-equipped S5 through its paces, and is able to confirm that the S-badged sedan will benefit from the same seven-speed gearbox, with shifts taking place in 200 ms. Naturally, the S4 will be equipped with quattro all-wheel-drive, and sales will begin in the UK in early 2009, with wagon and convertible variants following thereafter.

As for the future of the RS4, Audi isn't confirming any specs yet, but they're confident that when the new M3-fighter hits the streets in 2010, the new S-tronic dual-clutch gearbox's shifts will be reduced to around 140-150 ms.

[Source: CAR]

Paris Preview: Audi to unveil supercharged S4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Jun 2008 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dodge Challenger could start at $23,995

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Dodge

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Dodge Challenger SE and R/T.

A "top company executive" has supposedly leaked pricing of the base Dodge Challenger to the Freep and the 250 hp, V6-equipped model could set pony car fanatics back $23,995. Although official pricing hasn't been disclosed for the full Challenger range, the SRT8 model is already carrying a $37,320 price tag, so pricing the base model somewhere south of $25,000 was expected. However, that puts the entry-level Challenger $4,000 above the V6 Ford Mustang, priced at $19,650. While we were hoping that the low-end Challenger would be closer to the $20k mark, if the $23,995 base price is to be believed, there's no doubt that we'll be seeing plenty of Dodge's new hotness populating the streets when it goes on sale later this year.

Gallery: 2009 Dodge Challenger SE - Live Reveal

Gallery: 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T and SE

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

Dodge Challenger could start at $23,995 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Apr 2008 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The end of the muscle car, yet again?

Dan Roth — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 15:02:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Trends, Coupe, Etc., Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GM

We've heard this tune before. Automakers have pushed vehicles to the zenith of attainable on-road performance, with even family vehicles being outfitted with fire-breathing engines. Anything you buy today will run rings around the performance cars of yore. Boomers may get misty-eyed about how great the glory days of the 1960s were for hot cars, but that's just the filthy exhaust clouding their judgement. The golden age of performance is now. Just as it went down nigh on 38 years ago, big V8 thumpers are having their death knell sounded. Scott Burgess posits in the Detroit News that the muscle car formula could undergo some revision.

Burgess spoke with GM's Troy Clarke, who thinks that muscle cars will evolve into vehicles that sell more on the strength of their style and innovation, rather than live axles and cubic inches. We agree that there will be widespread evolution and experimentation when it comes to powertrains, but we thought muscle cars already sold largely on their stylishness. We went digging at Ford to take a look at Mustang sales to see if our suspicions could be confirmed.

Continue reading The end of the muscle car, yet again?

The end of the muscle car, yet again? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 16 Feb 2008 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford considering twin-turbo V6 for future Mustangs, building ZR1/Viper competitor

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Ford

Click the image above for more spy shots of the 2010 Ford Mustang

The idea of an EcoBoost V6 powering the next-generation Mustang has been kicked around the Autoblog offices ever since Ford announced the new twin-turbocharged, direct-inject V6 earlier this year. According to MotorTrend, FoMoCo is now seriously considering offering the new mill along with its standard 4.0-liter V6 and a set of new V8s. The Blue Oval is contemplating equipping the new 'Stang with an all new 5.0-liter V8 that would find its way under the hood of a limited edition Boss 302 or the 315-hp, 4.6-liter V8 found in the Bullitt. Either way, buyers can keep things traditional or go for the turbo V6 while still retaining the output characteristics of a big V8. The move comes as new CAFE regs are beginning to be taken seriously by all automakers, including GM, which recently canceled its DOHC V8 engine program.

Shelby versions of the Mustang will likely continue through the end of the year and maybe beyond, with a GT500 version being available soon after the redesign goes on sale late in 2009. It's still rumored that the new sheet metal adorning the 2010 Mustang will take some cues from the Giugiaro concept, including a set of wider haunches that are more reminiscent of the fastback's shoulders, along with a new rear bumper design, new front fascia and plenty of wheel and color choices. Inside, the instrument panel will get a facelift to allow more room for navigation and audio controls, while improvements will be made to create a more "driver-centric" environment.

Despite all the talk about a more fuel-efficient V6, Ford is reportedly also developing a supercharged version of its 5.0-liter V8 to be stuffed into a new flagship model that would compete with the Chevy Corvette ZR1 and Dodge Viper SRT10.

[Source: MotorTrend]

Gallery: 2010 Ford Mustang GT - spy shots II

Ford considering twin-turbo V6 for future Mustangs, building ZR1/Viper competitor originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jan 2008 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Consumer Reports names Nissan Altima top mid-size sedan

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Dodge, Ford, Honda, Kia, Nissan, Subaru

click above for more images of the 2008 Nissan Altima

The Nissan Altima narrowly beat out the Honda Accord for the coveted Consumer Reports Top-Ranked, Mid-priced Sedan, which is revealed in the February 2008 issue. The V6 Accord lost to the V6-powered Altima by a scant one-point, followed by the Toyota Camry and Volkswagen Passat.

Consumer Reports tested a number of family sedans for its February issue, ranging from the base four-cylinder models and up to the range-topping V6s. The selected vehicles, which also included the Ford Taurus, Dodge Avenger, Kia Amanti and Subaru Legacy, were broken down into three categories: "Affordable," "Mid-priced" and "Large" family sedans.

The four-cylinder Altima took the top spot in the "Affordable" category, leading by six points over the Accord, with the Kia Optima EX and Passat 2.0T coming in third and fourth, respectively.

Consumer Reports is quick to point out that the Accord, which has won the publications Top Pick for five years, outperformed the majority of the players, but in the end, the Altima proved to be the best value overall.

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Gallery: 2008 Nissan Altima Sedan

Continue reading Consumer Reports names Nissan Altima top mid-size sedan

Consumer Reports names Nissan Altima top mid-size sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Jan 2008 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More turbocharged motors coming from Hyundai

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 09:24:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hyundai

Click the image above for a gallery of the Hyundai Genesis coupe concept.

2008 is shaping up to be a great year for enthusiasts, with the Nissan GT-R, Mitsubishi Evolution X and Subaru Impreza STI all coming to market. But drivers bent on rear-wheel drive performance on a budget have been left out in the cold, assuming that they're looking for something with an independent suspension and a small displacement, turbocharged motor.

In 2009, that's all going to change when Hyundai unleashes its RWD Genesis coupe to the masses. The new two-door model from Hyundai will feature a direct-injection 2.0-liter turbo'd motor (co-developed by Hyundai, Chrysler and Mitsubishi), sending power to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual, supposedly with an optional LSD and the possibility of more factory-produced go-fast bits on the way.

In an interview with Automotive News, John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America's veep of product development said that the Genesis coupe won't be the only model sporting forced induction in the automaker's future. Plans to install turbos in other models are underway, as Hyundai has no intentions of offering a diesel or hybrid in the near future, and strapping a snail to a small motor can return benefits both in performance and fuel economy.

The coupe will also have a V6 option (a 3.8-liter making upwards of 300 hp), but for the enthusiast set, the blown four will be more desirable since the plumbing necessary for upgrades is already in place. Despite this, Hyundai plans on taking the V6 Mustang to task on the tarmac, and with rumors swirling (Automotive News - Sub. Req.) that FoMoCo will drop the 4.0-liter V6 in favor of either the new 3.5- or 3.7-liter V6s in 2009, things are looking good for budget racers in North America.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

More turbocharged motors coming from Hyundai originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Dec 2007 09:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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From the Prancing Horse's Mouth: no truck, no V6 from Ferrari

Noah Joseph — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 12:56:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Crossover, Ferrari

Like a family of cockroaches living behind your kitchen cabinets, some rumors just won't die. No matter how ridiculous, they just won't go away. And so we waste our cyber-space reassuring our loyal readership of that they're nothing more than smoke and mirrors.

Here we're talking about the prospect of a sport-utility vehicle from Ferrari. We've seen different renderings and projections, and although we're not sold, apparently some people still think it could happen. Leave it to the Dutch, then, to get it right from the source. Holland's automotive magazine AutoWeek spoke with Ferrari's general manager Amadeo Felisa, who firmly denied that the company is developing - or even considering - an SUV. And we'll take him at his word, even if we have our doubts when they continue to refute the development of an entry-level model.

On that front, in lieu of the usual mantra that the company is not building a successor to the Dino, Felisa specified that Ferrari was not developing a six-cylinder model, which doesn't rule out the possibility of a new model to slot in below the F430 with any other type of powertrain configuration... say, a V8 for example.

[Source: AutoWeek.nl via Motor Authority]

From the Prancing Horse's Mouth: no truck, no V6 from Ferrari originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Dec 2007 12:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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