Autoblog

Lotus confirms in-house V8, Lego-like chassis has potential [UPDATE]

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Lotus, Luxury

Lotus is working overtime getting the next Esprit ready for its late-2013 production target, and that means development of everything from an in-house V8 to a slew of new chassis components are under way.

Lotus officials confirmed to Autoblog that the automaker is working on its own 4.8-liter V8 that will power the mid-engine Esprit, along with the front-engine Elite and Eterne. Naturally, they're remaining mum on outputs, but it's safe to assume that the naturally aspirated version will top out around 570 horsepower while a higher-tuned variant would crest 620 hp.

Additionally, the chassis set to underpin the entire range of next-generation Lotus vehicles will be fully modular, allowing the automaker to swap front, middle and rear sections as needed and with very little modification. Front- and mid-engine platforms will be different, but the same basic components holding the Elite together would also be used for the Eterne. Similarly, the Esprit chassis could be reworked for the next Evora (or Elan, depending on whether the Evora name carries enough cache in the following years) and could mean that the Evora could get V8 power - although don't hold your breath for that one.

UPDATE: Sources at Lotus have informed us that the base 4.8-liter V8 will produce 570 hp and that an higher-spec version - without turbos - will boost output to 620 hp. The text of the post has been amended to reflect these figures.

Lotus confirms in-house V8, Lego-like chassis has potential [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Nov 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Class action lawsuit to be filed against Mercedes alleges AMG V8 defects

Zach Bowman — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Government/Legal, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

Mercedes-Benz is reportedly facing a class-action lawsuit in the U.S. District Court of New Jersey for alleged defects in the company's M156 V8. According to the plaintiffs, premature internal wear occurs because the engine uses cast nodular iron camshafts and 9310-grade steel valves. Something about that combination causes early failure, either due to improper offset of the components or inadequate heat treating. The plaintiffs also allege that Mercedes-Benz and AMG have known about the issue since 2007, when Daimler released a service bulletin on the problem. At this point, it's unclear how many engines this alleged defect covers, or exactly when or if the lawsuit will go to trial.

The M156 V8 - one of the snarliest and best-sounding engines we've ever driven - has served as the powerhouse for a wide range of AMG vehicles. The 6.3-liter lump actually displaces 6.2 liters, but churns out 525 horsepower in its newest iteration. The engine has found its way into vehicles like the C63 AMG, E63 AMG, ML63 AMG and SL63 AMG, among others. Head over to BenzBoost for a look at the full lawsuit.

Class action lawsuit to be filed against Mercedes alleges AMG V8 defects originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Translogic takes a look back at the Chevy small-block V8

Zach Bowman — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Convertible, Performance, Etc., Technology, Chevrolet

No matter what side of the great domestic manufacturer debate you find yourself on, there's no denying the simple beauty of the Chevrolet small block engine. Whether it be the early 256 cubic-inch forefather or the ubiquitous 350-cubic-inch that we all know and love, the 90-degree General Motors V8 has established itself as an integral part of the fabric of America. GM is set to build its 100 millionth small block this year, and Translogic decided to mark the occasion by spending some time with the vehicle that helped make the engine famous to begin with - the Chevrolet Corvette.

The episode also takes some time to chat with Jamie Meyer, the product integration manager with GM performance parts, to learn a thing or two about what has made the GM small block such a success over the years. Hit the jump to check out the episode for yourself and click over next week for a look at the face-melting Corvette ZR1. What a difference half a century makes.

Continue reading Translogic takes a look back at the Chevy small-block V8

Translogic takes a look back at the Chevy small-block V8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Aug 2011 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Four-cylinders increase lead over V6s as engine of choice for Americans

Jeff Glucker — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 18:32:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc.

America cho-cho-chooses the four-cylinder engine as its preferred means of locomotion. In fact, the four banger has been the favored choice since taking the lead over six-cylinder engines a few years back. The four-versus-six debate was neck in neck back in 2005, when six-cylinder engines accounted for 43 percent of the market. Now, it's the four pots that own 43 percent of the market.

There's no mystery behind the shift in consumer buying patterns. Fuel prices are higher, four cylinder engines keep getting better and the economy continues to remain flat.

It's also no surprise that a the eight cylinder engine has also fallen out of favor with new car shoppers. In 2005, a V8 could be found powering one in three new vehicles. Today, that powerplant has fallen to powering one in six. Time, as they say, marches on...

Four-cylinders increase lead over V6s as engine of choice for Americans originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Jul 2011 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Four-cylinder engines power 65.4% of cars built in 2010

Autoblog Staff — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 10:32:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

Back in 2008, soaring gas prices sent car buyers in search of efficient four-cylinder vehicles and, as the numbers show, sales of V6 and V8 engines dropped from 63.9 percent to 57.1 percent when gas prices spiked. Though elevated fuel costs may have triggered the increased demand for four-cylinder power a few years ago, the numbers show that the four-banger's rise to dominance continues.

According to data posted by Ward's Auto, the V8 engine powered a mere 20.8 percent of the total North American light-vehicle output in 2010, down from the 22.8 percent in 2009. In contrast, the four-cylinder engine powered 64.5 percent of all cars built in 2010, an increase from the 61.9 percent in 2009. Ward's chalks up the rising popularity of the once-lowly four-banger to technical improvements, such as direct injection, turbocharging and variable valve timing systems, that have transformed some four-cylinder engines into potent mills that consume significantly less fuel than many V6 and V8 engines.

[Source: Ward's Auto - sub. req.]

Four-cylinder engines power 65.4% of cars built in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Feb 2011 10:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Report: Mercedes looking at naturally aspirated 5.5-liter V8 for AMG

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Rumormill

The all-new twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 may be Mercedes-Benz's AMG division's much-heralded pride-and-joy engine, but it certainly won't find a home under the hood of every single AMG product. To that point, AutoWeek reports that Mercedes-Benz is working on a naturally aspirated version of the 5.5-liter V8, slated for use not only in the refreshed SLK55, but in the AMG-fettled version of the C-Class coupe, the C55.

This new mill is claimed to produce around 422 horsepower - 62 more than what's currently available in the SLK55. New technologies like a cylinder cut-off mechanism will help improve fuel consumption while still sending a larger helping of power to the car's rear wheels.

AutoWeek also reports that while the upcoming C55 AMG coupe (and its hardcore Black Series version, which is rumored to be in the cards) will use this new 5.5-liter mill, the four-door C63 AMG sedan will retain the 6.2-liter free-breathing V8 that we currently enjoy, and that's just fine by us.

[Source: AutoWeek | Image: Drew Phillips/Autoblog/AOL]

Report: Mercedes looking at naturally aspirated 5.5-liter V8 for AMG originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Jan 2011 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mercedes students create B55 using big V8 and little B-Class

Zach Bowman — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Etc., Europe, Hatchback, Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz B55 - Click above for high-res image gallery

After the nuclear apocalypse wipes out all of civilization, there will still be cockroaches wedging huge engines into tiny cars. You just can't kill the oldest recipe in hot rodding history, and for good reason. As a handful of trainees at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Rastatt just found out, the big engine, small car combo is the easiest way to mint cheap speed. Plant manager Peter Wesp got the idea to squeeze a 5.5-liter 385 horsepower V8 from the likes of the big E550 into the Silver Arrow's trim B-Class.

After finding a B200 CDI that had been sacrificed to training, Wesp and his team set about the mechanical contortions necessary to pull off the swap. Surprisingly enough, the workers were able to use the original engine mounts, and with a little parts-bin raiding, everything was sitting pretty under the hood. The team snugged in a rear axle from a W 2010 E-Class, front brakes lifted from a C32 AMG and bolted on snazzy 18-inch wheels from AMG as well. How's that for perfection? Hit the jump for the full press blast.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz B55

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Mercedes students create B55 using big V8 and little B-Class

Mercedes students create B55 using big V8 and little B-Class originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ferrari Boss Felisa: "Hybrid means we can protect the V12"

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 21 May 2010 14:27:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Performance, Technology, Ferrari

Ferrari 599 HY-KERS - Click above for high-res image gallery

In the Eighties, you wanted your MTV. Now that you're a little older and a lot richer, you want your naturally aspirated V12 Italian cars, and both Ferrari and Lamborghini plan to deliver. The raging bulls at Sant' Agata are incorporating more lightweight materials into their cars in order to get over emissions hurdles, but Ferrari has different plans, likely including a road-going iteration of its kinetic energy recovery system, as seen fitted to its 599 HY-KERS concept car at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year.

According to Autocar's quote from Ferrari CEO Amedeo Felisa, "Hybrid means we can protect the V12," suggesting Ferrari believes its unassisted 12-cylinder will live on. Autocar's theory is that the next Enzo could see its V12 paired with an electric motor to keep the government watchdogs happy. Of course, this contradicts Autocar's Ferrari piece from about ten days ago when, after speaking with Felisa, it wrote, "Felisa also hinted that the new Ferrari Enzo will be powered by a direct-injection twin-turbo V8 when it is launched in 2012."

It could be that Ferrari will use a naturally aspirated V12, only not in the Enzo - the F40 was a V8 while the Testarossa/512 received the big-engine treatment. Frankly, we're all for a hybrid Enzo, though. Provided they can keep the weight down, a silent supercar at low speeds with 600-plus horses that could bolt at a half-second's notice would make the most awesome getaway car ever.

Gallery: Geneva 2010: Ferrari 599 HY-KERS

Live Photos: Noah Joseph / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Autocar]

Ferrari Boss Felisa: "Hybrid means we can protect the V12" originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 May 2010 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

USA Today: Four-cylinder engines powered nearly half of all new car sales last month

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 21 May 2010 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying

Along with eight-cylinder engines and manual transmissions, six-cylinder motors appear to be on the outs, relatively speaking. In the first quarter of this year, USA Today notes that four-cylinder lumps made up 46.5 percent of new car sales, almost a five percent jump over the same period last year.

This movement to fewer cylinders is likely to continue, as more and more mainstream models like the Hyundai Sonata, Suzuki Kizashi and Buick Regal are only being offered with four-cylinder powerplants. That's partially because modern technologies, including direct injection and forced induction, have closed the power deficit, and partly because automakers' need to raise their CAFE figures and play to growing consumer appetites for better fuel economy.

The trend has caused J.D. Power to raise its four-cylinder sales prediction for 2012 from 48 percent to 51 percent. If that ends up being the case, that will leave 35 percent for six-cylinder cars, and just 17 percent for V8s.

[Source: USA Today]

USA Today: Four-cylinder engines powered nearly half of all new car sales last month originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 May 2010 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

2011 Ford Mustang GT vs. 2010 BMW M3: Tie Game? [w/poll]

Zach Bowman — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 19:24:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Performance, BMW, Ford, Luxury

Ford Mustang GT and BMW M3 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Alright, fan boys (and girls), prepare for battle. The ever keen-eyed Sam Smith over at Jalopnik has spied an interesting phenomenon in the car universe. The new 2011 Ford Mustang GT performance figures are within spitting distance of the mighty 2010 BMW M3. The Bavarian bruiser produces 414 horsepower out of its milky-smooth 4.0-liter V8 and hits the scales at 3,652 lbs. Meanwhile, the 5.0-liter Mustang serves up two less horsepower, but weighs 40 pounds less, too.

At this point, odds are your blood is pumping no matter which side of the ring you happen to find yourself on. Stats that close yield frighteningly similar numbers when the two cars hit the track, too. The M3 can clip off the 0-60 dash in 4.3 seconds. The Mustang can do it in 4.4. Quarter mile? Deadlocked at 12.7 seconds at 111.3 mph.

It's true, a quarter mile doth not a sports car make, which is why these next figures are so important. While the M3 can come down from 60 mph in 105 feet, the Mustang can do the same in 104. And here's the real shocker: Both cars hold onto the skidpad at .97 g. Now, before the comments go superfly TNT, it's worth noting that the as-tested BMW will set you back an eye-widening $28,180 more than the Ford. We could think of a thing or two to do with an extra 30-large.

So the question remains, which would you take home?

View Poll

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Ford Mustang GT

Gallery: Review: 2008 BMW M3

[Source: Jalopnik]

2011 Ford Mustang GT vs. 2010 BMW M3: Tie Game? [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Apr 2010 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2011 Ford Mustang GT rocks out with 412 horsepower, 26 mpg highway

Drew Phillips — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 06:43:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Ford

2011 Ford Mustang GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

When it was first announced that the 5.0-liter engine was making a return to the 2011 Ford Mustang, none of us here at Autoblog were really that concerned with the fuel economy. We were all about the horsepower, and at 412 ponies underneath the hood, the 5.0 doesn't disappoint. Ford, however, was thinking about appearances and earth-hugging as well, and managed to make the 2011 Mustang even more efficient than the 2010 model despite all that extra extra power. According to the numbers released today, the new Mustang GT gets 17 miles-per-gallon city and 26 mpg highway with the six-speed manual and 18/25 mpg with the six-speed automatic.

These numbers are not only a huge improvement from the 2010 Mustang with the 4.6-liter V8 (15/23 mpg w/manual, 15/22 mpg w/automatic), but they also best the figures achieved by the Chevrolet Camaro SS - 16/24 mpg when equipped with a manual and 16/25 mpg with the automatic. As reported earlier, the 2011 Mustang V6 claims top honors against its Camaro counterpart as well with an impressive 19/31 mpg in six-speed automatic form.

So what accounts for the improved fuel economy despite the increase in displacement and horsepower? According to Ford, having an extra gear in the car's transmissions play a large role in addition to the Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) that can quickly adjust the intake and exhaust valves. Read more about the Mustang's powertrain improvements for 2011 after the break.

Gallery: 2011 Ford Mustang GT 5.0

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading 2011 Ford Mustang GT rocks out with 412 horsepower, 26 mpg highway

2011 Ford Mustang GT rocks out with 412 horsepower, 26 mpg highway originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 06:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Detroit 2010: Cadillac CTS-V Coupe might just be our best-of-show [w/VIDEO]

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 19:28:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Cadillac, Design/Style

2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery

Yup, we just saw the 2010 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe in the flesh and... do want. Let's make that double do want. Why? We think it's glorious looking, and with the possible exception of the Pontiac Solstice, the CTS Coupe is among the best looking American cars in a very long time. That said, while the "base" coupe is a stunner, it's the V-job that really gets our juices flowing.

If you don't know, the V-Series gets the same 556-horsepower, 6.2-liter V8 as the sedan with sir's choice of a quick-witted six-speed automatic or manual gearbox, magnetic ride control suspension and honkin' Brembo brakes. General Motors has declined to get specific about how much lighter the CTS-V Coupe will be compared to its more family-minded stablemate, but officials have confirmed that it will be marginally lighter on the scales (we're guessing less than 100 pounds).

Changes from the sedan? Well, aside the obvious lack of rear doors, a B-pillar-ectomy and much faster windshield and backlight angles, not too much. Okay, so there's a slightly wider rear track and an available Saffron interior color (a coupe exclusive), but that's about it. All that is fine by us, because the CTS-V Coupe is all kinds of muscular, angular gorgeousness. Besides, amidst the Detroit Auto Show and its burgeoning sea of feel-good treehugging solutions, the CTS-V stands alone as a beacon of tire-smokin' glory. Video of the live reveal is available after the jump.

Update: Cadillac is claiming the CTS-V can hit 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. Dude...

Gallery: Detroit 2010: Cadillac CTS-V Coupe

Gallery: 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe

Live photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Cadillac]

Continue reading Detroit 2010: Cadillac CTS-V Coupe might just be our best-of-show [w/VIDEO]

Detroit 2010: Cadillac CTS-V Coupe might just be our best-of-show [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Jan 2010 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ford V8 boss says no twin-turbo 5.0L for Shelby GT500

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Technology, Ford

2010 Ford Shelby GT500 - Click above for high-res image gallery

In recent months, rumors have been rampant that the next generation of Ford's Shelby GT500 Mustang would dump the existing 5.4-liter supercharged V8 in favor of a twin-turbo version of the new 5.0-liter Coyote V8 that debuts this spring. Unfortunately, in spite of earlier reports confirming the development, it appears that such an engine will not be installed in the GT500 any time soon. Autoblog had the chance to talk with Mike Harrison, Ford's chief engineer for the 5.0-liter and 6.2-liter V8 engines this morning, and he made it clear that the mooted engine is not part of the program for the Blue Oval bomber.

Harrison explained that such a configuration would be almost impossible for Ford to engineer because the 5.0-liter already consumes virtually the entire engine compartment. There is evidently no room to mount the turbos on the outside of the block where the exhaust currently resides. One possibility would be to put the turbos in the valley of the block similar to the new 6.7-liter diesel or BMW's 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, but this creates a bunch of new problems as well. The heat generated by having the turbos up top would probably cause the paint on the hood to bubble and peel unless Ford could add some exotic and undoubtedly expensive heat shielding, which is unlikely to happen.

The other issue is that this configuration would really only work if the intake and exhaust flow were reversed, putting the exhaust in the valley. Without this change, the paths from the exhaust ports to the turbos would be too long, resulting in excess turbo lag and unacceptable performance. However, this would require a level of engineering investment for new heads that Ford is unlikely to make in such a low-volume program. Thus, we'll have to be satisfied with the aluminum block 5.4 that is arriving later this year.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Shelby GT500, Part 1

Ford V8 boss says no twin-turbo 5.0L for Shelby GT500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Jan 2010 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: 2011 Ford Mustang GT shown rollin' with its 5.0

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Ford

2011 Ford Mustang GT - click above to watch the video

Let's just call today - December 28, 2009 - Mustang 5.0 Day and be done with it, okay? We've seen lots of pictures and even more information about the 2011 Ford Mustang GT and it's bad to its baffled sump 5.0-liter 32-valve V8. But that's just a bunch of static information. The kids today, they demand action! After all, what good are "teh Internets" without video? Especially Mustang 5.0 video?

That's precisely what the good folks at Ford have provided for our consumption/enjoyment. Warning: this is not Top Gear. The video you are about to watch is typical OEM B-roll. Meaning no tires will be smoked, no apexes clipped, no music will be thumped. All you'll see is the new 2011 Mustang GT with the Track Pack (notice the strut brace and Brembos) driving around. And then parked. So while it's not the most exciting video in the history of the world, it is the very first of the new Mustang strutting its stuff.

Now, as a bonus, we're also throwing in some footage of the new 5.0 V8 on a dynometer. We already know the power ratings (412 horsepower @ 6,500 RPM, 390 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 RPM), but in the video, we get to see the motor race almost all the way up to its 7,000 RPM redline. And, because we are who we are, we're tossing in one more bonus video to make you smile. Hey, it's the holidays. So, make the jump and watch 'em.

Gallery: 2011 Ford Mustang GT 5.0

Gallery: 2011 Ford Mustang 5.0 V8

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading VIDEO: 2011 Ford Mustang GT shown rollin' with its 5.0

VIDEO: 2011 Ford Mustang GT shown rollin' with its 5.0 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Dec 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Last GM big block engine rolls off the line

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Chevrolet, GM

The Big Block. Rat Motor. Call it what you will, we can now officially add a final epitaph to the long-running engine's gravestone: R.I.P. The final L18 big block rolled down the assembly line at General Motors' Tonawanda plant in New York last week, and that engine was signed by all the workers at the plant and is on its way to the GM Heritage Center in Sterling Heights, Michigan.

The first big block Chevy engine was introduced way back in 1958 and was used in both passenger cars and trucks. The engine's legacy includes such classic nameplates as Chevrolet Impala, Chevelle, Camaro and Corvette with displacements ranging from the venerable 396, 409, 427 and 454 to, finally, the 496-cubic-inch Vortec 8100 that ended the production run.

Naturally, the death of the big block brings with it other casualties as well, such as the 150 laid off hourly workers that are hoping GM sees fit to bless them with a new powerplant to build along with the RV and marine industries. Thanks for the tip, Corey H!

[Source: The Buffalo News]

REPORT: Last GM big block engine rolls off the line originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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, First Drives, 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments