Autoblog

First Drive: 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG straightens up and flies right

Chris Paukert — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG - Click above for high-res image gallery

On one hand, it may seem like an odd time for Mercedes to be jumping back into the ultra-premium end of the car market, particularly in light of its recent less-than-standouts efforts (think: McLaren SLR and the salesproof Maybach). But this isn't the case with the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. In fact, this isn't really a Gottlieb and Karl joint at all - at least not by any traditional definition.

The SLS is actually an Aufrecht Melcher Großaspach project. Huh? It's AMG's first bumper-to-bumper, start-to-finish project - and having just torn around the California countryside and hot-lapped around Laguna Seca, we're left wondering only one thing: Why did it take more than 40 years for this to happen? Well, perhaps we should cut Mercedes some slack, as it has only owned the high-performance arm since 1999, so perhaps the appropriate thing is to look at the SLS' 2009 rollout as something of a tenth anniversary present to itself. In that light, the folks from Stuttgart know how to throw one hell of a party.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG straightens up and flies right

First Drive: 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG straightens up and flies right originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: The 2009 Mercedes-Benz G550 makes us feel glücklich

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Mercedes-Benz, Military, Specialty, Off-Road

2009 Mercedes-Benz G550 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Mercedes G550 is an unlikely niche vehicle. As with perhaps every other military-derived civilian 4x4, it's a box on wheels, all straight lines and fender flares. Yet unlike most other military-derived civilian off-roaders, it comes standard with solid axles front and rear, three electronically locking differentials front, center, and rear, and, get this, heated rear seats. Celebs, trendsters, and the generally rich keep it in the public consciousness. When Mercedes decided to kill it, a general uproar caused them to belay the order. It costs $100,250, and has no options. Before we drove it, we didn't know why people dug it. Yet after a week with it in the Autoblog Garage, we think we know why: it is colossally fun.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Mercedes-Benz G550

Continue reading Review: The 2009 Mercedes-Benz G550 makes us feel glücklich

Review: The 2009 Mercedes-Benz G550 makes us feel glücklich originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Meadow Brook Concours 2009: Wheels and Badges

Chris Shunk — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 18:59:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Misc. Auto Shows, Design/Style

Meadow Brook wheels and badges - click above for high-res image gallery

Over the past decade or so, automakers and aftermarket shops have placed a lot of attention on stylish hoops. Barely a decade ago, 17-inch wheels were reserved for a high-end vehicle's top trim model, whereas now you can get factory 20's on larger vehicles, and 18s are becoming increasingly common on compacts.

Though high-end alloys have fast become a must for any new vehicle, it's hardly a brand new phenomenon, as we were reminded at the 2009 Concours d'Elegance at Meadow Brook. While wheels today use aluminum to keep weight down, early wheels were made of wood. And when you're looking at a Cadillac or Lincoln from the early Nineteens, the timber is just gorgeous. As vehicles became more modern, wood turned to steel. Note the generous size of the wheels in relation to the overall size of the vehicle. Some of our favorite wheels reside in the wheel well of Fifties and Sixties-era Ferrari and Jaguar cars, as highly polished wires helped make these two-seaters look that much better.

Click on the gallery below to peruse through some of our favorite wheels at Meadow Brook. We have also added some of our favorite brand badging from the show for your enjoyment.

Gallery: Meadow Brook Concours 2009: Wheels and badges

Meadow Brook Concours 2009: Wheels and Badges originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: New Honda president says we don't need V8s, rear-wheel drive

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Acura, Honda

2009 Acura TL - Click above for high-res image gallery

Honda Motor Co.'s new president, Takanubo Ito, has said in no uncertain terms that V8 power and rear-wheel drive motivation aren't in the automaker's future.

Ito, who took the reigns from Takeo Fukui last month, said during his first press conference, "I don't think we need a classic front-engine, rear-drive car. It would be meaningless to emulate what other companies have done for more than five decades."

Honda's new president went on to say that, "We are considering incorporating new engines, motors, transmissions and chassis into mid- to large-sized hybrid vehicles," and confirmed that his predecessor's plan to create a V8 and a new rear-wheel drive architecture have been killed after Honda reassessed its priorities amidst the tanking economy. Instead, expect Honda's future premium offerings - primarily those from Acura - to adopt fuel-efficient inline-four and V6 engines, equipped with hybrid motors, and all-wheel drive.

Gallery: 2009 Acura TL

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

REPORT: New Honda president says we don't need V8s, rear-wheel drive originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Jul 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More details on the 500-hp Ariel Atom 500 V8

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 28 May 2009 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Supercars

Ariel Atom 500 V8 - Click either image for a high-res image gallery

When it comes to power and lightweight, enough is never enough. And so, Ariel (finally) gives us the Atom 500 V8, an 1,102-pound roadster boasting the highest power-to-weight ratio (1,000 hp-per-ton) of any production car to date. How does Ariel do it? It starts with the engine and gets more insane from there.

The heart of the Atom 500 is a Russell Savory (RS Developments) 2.4-liter V8 equipped with five valves per cylinder, a dry sump and ~~a supercharger~~ (no supercharger in the U.S.) 500 hp is available at a screaming 10,000 rpm, with power being delivered to the rear wheels through a six-speed sequential Sadev gearbox.

At each corner, Alcon four-pot brakes are nestled within Dymag magnesium wheels, with carbon fiber used liberally on the wheel arches, underbody tray, rear wing and formula-style front aerofoil.

All told, the Ariel Atom 500 V8 will hit 60 in under three seconds, blow past 100 mph in less than seven seconds and can be yours for... no word yet, but expect pricing to be released shortly. Hat tip to James!

Gallery: Ariel Atom 500 V8

[Source: Ariel]

More details on the 500-hp Ariel Atom 500 V8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 May 2009 11:28:00 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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Return of the 5.0: Ford Exec confirms 400 hp 'Coyote' V8 coming in 2010

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 18 May 2009 15:27:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Truck, Ford

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

When the 2010 Ford Mustang debuted, there was a collective groan among the pony car faithful that Ford didn't update the aging 4.6-liter V8 along with the 'Stang's new sheetmetal. So when a few spy shots surfaced in January showing a new aluminum engine nestled under the hood of a Mustang mule, we knew the Blue Oval had something else up its sleeve - and now we have confirmation.

According to Ford Australia's product development director, Russell Christophers, FoMoCo's U.S. team is working on an all-new, aluminum double-overhead cam 5.0-liter V8 - codenamed "Coyote" - with output expected to crest 400 hp and around 400 lb-ft of torque. Christophers told Australia's Drive, "I have seen the performance curves and it is a pretty good engine."

The new 32-valve, 5.0-liter V8 is expected to be fitted to the Mustang and F-150 sometime in 2010, replacing the current 4.6- and 5.4-liter mills. And with the inevitable option of the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 making its way under the Mustang's hood, Ford looks to be bringing the fight to the new Chevrolet Camaro.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Mustang GT

[Source: Drive]

Return of the 5.0: Ford Exec confirms 400 hp 'Coyote' V8 coming in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 May 2009 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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1913 Scripps-Booth Bi-Autogo featured Detroit's first V8

Noah Joseph — Mon, 04 May 2009 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Motorcycle

Detroit steel means V8. It's inescapable. That the eight-cylinder engine is falling out of popularity only makes us more nostalgic for the daddy of American muscle. But the first V8-powered motor vehicle built in Detroit wasn't a car at all... it was a motorcycle. Well, sorta. It was the contraption you see above, the Scripps-Booth Bi-Autogo.

Built in 1913 by media scion James Scripps-Booth, the vehicle weighed a massive 3,200 lbs. It rode on 37-inch wooden wagon wheels, which were supplemented - no kidding - by training wheels that lowered out of the bodywork to stabilize the vehicle at low speeds. The aluminum-bodied whatchamacallit was steered with a wheel like a car, incorporating the first steering-wheel-mounted horn button, accompanied in the cockpit by the first folding arm-rest and flanked by the first hidden door hinges on a motor vehicle. The copper-piped V8 displaced a massive 6.3 liters, yet only produced 45 horsepower. Not bad for its day, but you shouldn't be surprised to find that only one was ever built, and it's currently on loan to the Owls Head Transportation Museum from the permanent collection of the Detroit Historical Museum, coming to you courtesy of Time magazine's 50 Worst Cars of All Time. Follow the link to peruse the rest.

[Source: Time via Boing Boing]

1913 Scripps-Booth Bi-Autogo featured Detroit's first V8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 May 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Novitec gets ambitious, builds "own" supercar, the TuLesto

Chris Paukert — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 10:27:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Coupe, Europe, Supercars, Ferrari

Novitec TuLesto - Click above for a hi-res gallery

Novitec has long been regarded for their ability to produce streetable tuner Ferrari models with massive power and generally well-integrated aesthetic and aerodynamic modifications. And while this car, the Novitec TuLesto that see before you clearly has a lot of Ferrari 430 in it, this is a far more ambitious piece than what has come before it. Built in Bavaria by the German tuner, this mid-engined supercar is something of a celebratory affair, designed to mark the company's 20th anniversary.

Just 11 examples are planned, each brandishing 777 horsepower - enough to push the slippery carbon-fiber and aluminum shape to 60 mph in 3.4 ticks before topping out at more than 350 kmh (217 mph). Power comes from a 4.4-liter four-valve V8 (.10-liter larger than that of Ferrari's 430) with a pair of superchargers strapped on to yield the aforementioned 777 hp (at 8,200 rpm), along with a peak torque figure of 536 pound-feet at 6,300 rpm. The sole transmission choice is a six-speed semi-automatic paddleshift setup.

While probably a trackday monster, there is some streetability to the TuLesto, as well. The Luca Serafini Stile-designed front-end can be lifted four inches to accommodate speed bumps and aprons without incurring expensive scraping noise. Perhaps at full height you'll get a better look at the fully tweakable double-wishbone suspension, which includes adjustable dampers and swaybars.

The available 20- or 21-inch wheels are sinister-looking Novitec pieces that strike us as a bit Lamborghini-inspired, not necessarily a bad thing, and they house a set of ceramic composite brakes hatted by six-piston fixed calipers.

Funnily enough, our 20th celebrations weren't nearly as interesting as this. Happy Birthday, Novitec! Now... can we help you to blow out the candles?

Press release after the jump, high-res gallery below.

Gallery: Novitec TuLesto

[Source: Novitec]

Continue reading Novitec gets ambitious, builds "own" supercar, the TuLesto

Novitec gets ambitious, builds "own" supercar, the TuLesto originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Apr 2009 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York: Steve Saleen's SMS 570X ups the ante with 700 supercharged horses

Chris Paukert — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 18:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, New York Auto Show, Tuners, Coupe, Performance, Dodge

SMS 570X debut - Click above for a high-res gallery

Under the bright sunlight of the Javits Center's Crystal Palace atrium, Steve Saleen took the covers off of his latest creation, the SMS 570X. The Dodge Challenger-based muscle car registers a few rungs above the 570 that we first viewed at its Orange County unveiling in January. Where that car was fitted with a 5.7-liter V8, the 570X utilizes a 6.0-liter engine, reportedly good for 700 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque - plenty of gumption to roast those wide and flat 20-inch meats.

The engine includes lots of forged bits (pistons, crankshaft, con-rods, etc.) lurking beneath new CNC-ported aluminum heads. In addition, the 570X receives a SMST six-speed manual transmission and a high-performance cooling package. The heart of the car is a production version of the SMS 296 supercharger, the firm's new blower co-developed with Lysholm. Like Mopar muscle of yore, this system features a Six-Pack too - only in the SMS' case, it refers to a brace of cylindrical intercoolers.

While the supercharger comes as part of the 570X package, it will also work on other Chrysler LX products including the Charger, Magnum, and Chrysler 300C. SMS also promises that "aftermarket fitments" are in the works for both Ford and General Motors products.

Aesthetically, the X is nearly identical to the original 570, which is a good thing, because it looks sensational. From its "Red Butterfly" side-induction hood to its flared, vented fenders and new front fascia, the basic form looks spot-on. With its lowered stance, details like its GTX-style grille, fender vents, carbon-fiber splitter and side skirts, and rear spoiler, the 570X is at once classic Motown muscle and a thoroughly modern tuner car.

As this car was just a prototype, there were some unfinished bits (off-kilter badges, hood fitment, etc.), but officials promise to get the production car right. No word yet on official pricing and availability, but well-heeled Mopar fans would do well to reach out to SMS straight away.

Gallery: New York: SMS 570X

New York: Steve Saleen's SMS 570X ups the ante with 700 supercharged horses originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Apr 2009 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Rockstar/AEM's NASCAR V8-powered Scion tC drift car gets unboxed

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 11:32:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Videos, Scion, Toyota

Click above to view the videos after the jump

Here are two things that don't come to mind when you think of Scion: rear-wheel drive and V8 power. But that's exactly what the Rockstar/AEM crew have created with the Formula D-bound Scion tC. Joe Gibbs, TRD and Papadakis Racing put in the wrench time on the new racer and underhood is a V8 pulled from Toyota's NASCAR efforts and retuned with a drift-friendly powerband. Most of the details are still shrouded in mystery, but the noise emanating from the tC's exhaust is more than enough to get us interested. Check out a brief interview with the Steph and a "spy video" of it testing after the break.

[Sources: AutoFiends, MotorWorldHype]

Continue reading VIDEO: Rockstar/AEM's NASCAR V8-powered Scion tC drift car gets unboxed

VIDEO: Rockstar/AEM's NASCAR V8-powered Scion tC drift car gets unboxed originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Apr 2009 11:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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n2a Motors now taking orders for Anteros Roadster and Coupe

Drew Phillips — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 15:30:00 EST

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

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Anteros Roadster and Coupe

While the Anteros Roadster made its debut a few years at SEMA, we got our first look at the coupe just a few months ago. Now, n2a Motors, which builds the Corvette-based sportscars has announced that it is taking orders for both the coupe and convertible, priced at $149,500 and $154,500, respectively.

Based on the chassis and running gear of a 2009 Chevrolet Corvette, each car features a carbon composite body, hand-stitched leather interior, three-piece aluminum wheels, and a custom exhaust. Under the hood is the Corvette's LS3 V8 putting out 430 horsepower and 424 lb-ft torque, complete with Chevrolet's 100,000 mile powertrain warranty intact. Customers can also choose to have the Z06 used as a base vehicle, and upgrades between 525 and 1000 horsepower are available at additional cost.

The transformation from Corvette to Anteros takes approximately 800 hours, and no two cars will be alike (hence the name n2a). Along with the press release that can be seen after the jump, n2a Motors has also released dozens of new photos of both the coupe and convertible that can be viewed in high resolution in the gallery below.

Gallery: n2a Motors Anteros Coupe and Roadster

[Source: n2a Motors]

n2a Motors now taking orders for Anteros Roadster and Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Feb 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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All eight, �115,000 Caterham RS Levantes sold out

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Europe

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Caterham RS V8 Levante

With only eight examples of the Caterham RS V8 Levante being produced, it's no surprise that well-to-do track-tards have snatched up all of them after it went on sale this spring.

The 500-hp Caterham is packing a supercharged 2.4-liter V8 driving the rear wheels through a six-speed gearbox, and with a body comprised almost entirely of carbon fiber, Kevlar and aluminum, the 1,150-pound ode to maximizing minimalist motoring is able to hit 60 in under three seconds. That kind of firepower isn't cheap, with each example fetching £115,000, and thankfully, Caterham is requiring all the RS Levante's owners to enlist in a two-day advanced driving school when they take delivery.

Check out all the details about the Caterham RS V8 Levante here and make the jump to read the automaker's press release, along with a video of the Levante in action.

Gallery: Caterham RST-V8 Levante

Continue reading All eight, �115,000 Caterham RS Levantes sold out

All eight, �115,000 Caterham RS Levantes sold out originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cadillac mulling V8 diesel for CTS

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 08:02:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Cadillac, GM, Rumormill

According to MotorTrend, General Motors is considering fitting its 4.5-liter Duramax V8 Turbodiesel inside the Cadillac CTS sedan as a stepping-stone between the standard V6-equipped CTS and the barn-burning CTS-V.

The report contends that the Duramax V8 would be an easy fit inside the confines of the CTS' engine bay with the addition of the CTS-V's bulging hood. The dual-overhead cam, four-valve diesel V8 puts out 310 hp and a tire decimating 520 lb.-ft. of torque and GM already has a transmission that can handle the grunt. The oilburner currently meets the tougher 2010 emissions standards which would allow it to be sold in all 50 states, and with a reported 20-25% increased fuel economy over the V8 model, the diesel CTS could provide some competition to similar offerings from Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. According to MT, the amount of modifications would be minimal and the addition of the CTS diesel would help to boost GM's CAFE certification to meet the stricter 35 mpg requirements in 2020.

[Source: MotorTrend]

Cadillac mulling V8 diesel for CTS originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Oct 2008 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai Genesis' Tau V8 could grow to five liters, or beyond

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Hyundai

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Hyundai Genesis sedan.

The Hyundai Genesis sedan has only been on sale for a month, but the automaker is already considering upgrading the current 4.6-liter V8 with a 5.0-liter version. Hyundai's North American product chief, John Krafcik, told MotorTrend that the Tau V8 could be stroked up to 5.5-liters, but the ideal displacement to keep fuel economy on par with power is an even five liters.

The plan is to increase the displacement of the V8, as well as adding direct-injection to Hyundai and Kia's range of fours, sixes and eights over the next few years. It's a move that several automakers have already adopted and Hyundai's decision to increase its V8's displacement will only happen if it can keep output the same or better while retaining the 4.6-liter's fuel economy.

Gallery: Hyundai Genesis 4.6L V8

[Source: MotorTrend]

Hyundai Genesis' Tau V8 could grow to five liters, or beyond originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Aug 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Woodward 2008: Advance Automotive's Heldo

Chris Shunk — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 19:28:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Misc. Auto Shows, Specialty

Click the image above for the Advance Automotive's Heldo high res gallery

We've seen everything from Challengers and Camaros to Vespas and Vipers today, but there was only one Heldo. Advanced Automotives' Heldo is a steel tube space frame concept with composite bodywork and a 350-horsepower 32V Cadillac Northstar engine. According to the Advance Automotive website, the rear engine Heldo can reach 60 mph in a mere 4.1 seconds, take 12.2 seconds to hit a quarter mile, and pull north of 1g on the skid pad. We have no way of verifying those lofty performance statistics, but we can tell you that it looks very cool in silver. Some of our favorite features are the gull-wingish doors, crazy thin LED tail lights, and the exposed carbon fiber hood, but the crazy aqua duct side pods may have to go. Will we ever see a production Heldo on public roads? No, but we wouldn't mind if we did. Click on the high resolution gallery below to see the Heldo in all its odd glory.

Gallery: Woodward 2008: Advanced Heldo Concept

Woodward 2008: Advance Automotive's Heldo originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 16 Aug 2008 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Birthing an LS9

Dan Roth — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:03:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Technology, Videos, Chevrolet, GM

Automobile Magazine was invited into General Motors Performance Build Center to watch and lightly assist in the buildup of a ZR-1's internal combustion heart. It takes four-and-a-half hours of real time to go from a bare block to a fire-breathing, supercharged LS9, but through the magic of sped-up video, it only takes seven minutes of your life. You won't come away with anything productive for that time, unlike the people in the video, who get the pleasure of creating a small-block V8, but it's a neat picture of how it all comes together. We just hope that some other poor sucker gets the motor that the magazine intern fiddled with. Video posted after the jump.

[Source: Automobile]

Continue reading VIDEO: Birthing an LS9

VIDEO: Birthing an LS9 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Damn $4 Gas! Ford kills Boss engine for F-150, Mustang

Chris Shunk — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 08:02:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, SUV, Truck, Ford

The tremendous pressure on the auto industry is rapidly unraveling even the most carefully laid out plans. Fuel economy is king right now, and trucks and SUVs have gone from cash cows to the 6,000-pound albatross around the necks of automakers. Ford has been giving us a steady flow of news regarding its plans to weather this wicked storm, including the decision to switch truck and SUV plants into facilities that can produce fuel efficient cars and the delayed launch of the 2009 F-150. Now we're hearing from Mike Levine at Pickuptrucks.com that the Blue Oval has all but killed the once promising Boss V8 engine program.

The powerful V8 engine was slated to appear on models ranging from the new Mustang to the best-selling F-150 and Super Dudy, but a stop work order has narrowed the Boss' available engine bays down to one model. Ford President of the Americas Mark Fields told Levine that while the program isn't being killed completely, it will now only appear in one vehicle. Levine has heard from three sources that the lone vehicle will be the Super Duty, which needs a more efficient replacement for the 6.8L V10. Ford has already spent a load of cash on the beefy pushrod, so killing the program altogether would have been a tough pill to swallow. Ford was also planning on more than one displacement for the Boss, but with it now only going in the Super Duty, it'll likely only appear in 6.2-liter guise.

Ford will likely move any and all monetary and development resources possible away from the Boss, and into the hands of greener projects like the US-bound Fiesta. The move makes abundant sense given the current realities Ford is facing, but it still saddens us that we won't get to mash the pedal to unleash 400 naturally aspirated ponies any time soon.

[Source: Pickuptrucks]

Damn $4 Gas! Ford kills Boss engine for F-150, Mustang originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aston Martin upgrades the V8 Vantage for 2009

Drew Phillips — Fri, 23 May 2008 10:33:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Aston Martin

Click above for a high resolution gallery of the V8 Vantage

Not one to settle, Aston Martin is giving its V8 Vantage a host of upgrades for 2009 highlighted by a larger V8 engine with more power. Originally displacing 4.3 liters, the V8 has been bored and stroked to 4.7 liters for an 11% increase in power to 420 bhp and a 15% increase in torque to 347 lb-ft. Despite these changes, fuel economy has been improved by 13%. Both optional transmissions have been upgraded as well, with the 6-speed manual getting a modified clutch and flywheel, and the Sportshift automatic has been programmed to provide smoother shifts. The suspension has been slightly revised with slightly stiffer spring rates, improved steering geometry, and stiffer bushings in the front suspension to improve handling. The interior has been revamped with a new center console finished in graphite silver as well as an ECU that replaces the standard key. Thankfully the Vantage's beautiful lines have remained untouched, although new 19-inch wheels are available.

Full details on the 2009 upgrades to the V8 Vantage can be found in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Aston Martin V8 Vantage

[Source: Aston Martin]

Continue reading Aston Martin upgrades the V8 Vantage for 2009

Aston Martin upgrades the V8 Vantage for 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 May 2008 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Camaros, turbos, mpgs and the underappreciated V8

Alex Nunez — Sun, 18 May 2008 11:41:00 EST

Filed under: Opinion/Editorial

The GMnext blog has a post up that talks about the potential viability of a low-displacement turbocharged motor -- the direct-injected 2.0L Ecotec turbo, specifically -- in upcoming GM cars, including the Camaro. Let's talk about this a little. The breathed-upon Ecotec delivers 260 horses and 260 lb-ft of torque, and if you've driven, say, the Sky or Solstice equipped with it, you know just how ballsy it really is. It's more powerful (but less torquey) than either V8 offered in the '87 IROC-Z that I thought was so cool back during high school. The turbo four might well be a nice solution in a future iteration of the Camaro, but is the fuel economy argument for it as rock solid as it might seem on the surface?

The Pontiac Solstice GXP with the turbo four has an EPA fuel economy rating of 19 city/28 hwy when mated to a 5-speed manual. Not bad at all for the performance it delivers, but that same drivetrain in the bigger, heavier Camaro isn't likely to give you equal returns in terms of fuel consumption. Over at AutoblogGreen, Sam notes that the 2.0 turbo's lighter weight relative to the six- and eight-cylinders the Camaro's going to launch with should help somewhat. He follows by reminding us that GM's next-gen mild hybrid system will work with RWD cars and predicts that we'll see a 2.0T hybrid Camaro by 2011 or so. This would dovetail neatly with the first phase of the new CAFE regs, and we're sure GM would find a way to engineer a hypothetical turbo/hybrid's fuel economy numbers so they'd play nice within Uncle Sam's rules. Great.

The issue with all this talk of four-cylinder turbos and hybrids for a muscle car (along with attempts to redefine the class and reset expectations) is that everyone conveniently overlooks just how good the existing V8 is. In the 2008 Corvette Coupe, the big bad 6.2L LS3 is rated at 16 city/26 hwy. Hardly a guzzler in the traditional sense, the V8's rating isn't that far off from the direct-injected Ecotec turbo. Furthermore, the V8's fuel economy comes with 430 horsepower and 424 lb-ft of torque. Those are numbers befitting a muscle car like a Camaro. Who's to say a direct-injected LS-family V8 with efficiency tech like hybridization and/or cylinder deactivation wouldn't be just as effective at meeting the federal fuel economy requirements that begin taking effect a few years from now? You could potentially satisfy the government-created CAFE gods without giving the customers who want actual, traditional muscle the finger in the process. Yes, the consensus seems to be that smaller engines will be a necessity across the board in the new CAFE era, but let's not summarily ignore the bigger ones just because they're big.

Camaros, turbos, mpgs and the underappreciated V8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 18 May 2008 11:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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