Autoblog

Ferrari FF gets sweeping panoramic roof option

George Kennedy — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Technology, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Ferrari

Perhaps overshadowed at the Paris Motor Show by the carbon fiber chassis bits of the still unnamed Enzo successor, was news from Ferrari about a roof. The oddball Italian supercar maker has announced that its FF will now be available with a full-length panoramic roof - the first of its kind for the manufacturer, since it normally doesn't have such long roofs to work with. In this case, the roof of the all-wheel drive four-seat hatch is made of a single massive pane of glass.

According to Ferrari, the new glass roof "gives occupants a genuine open-air driving feeling, while providing thermal and acoustic insulation." That said, it does not appear that the roof opens, so some of that 'open air' experience may come from lowering a window or two.

While there may be some concern over the added weight of such a structure, the FF plays more of a grand touring role when compared to the 458 Italia and F12berlinetta. There is no word on how this feature will affect the price of the FF, or when the new models with the glass roof will go on sale. All we know is, any price or weight changes will be overshadowed now by a spectacular view.

Continue reading Ferrari FF gets sweeping panoramic roof option

Ferrari FF gets sweeping panoramic roof option originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Oct 2012 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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All-wheel-drive BMW M5 in the cards

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 03 May 2011 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, BMW, Rumormill

2012 BMW M5 Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

The times, they are a changin'... and so is the BMW M5. Since it hit the streets back in 1985, the M5 has always been a beastly Bavarian that sends power solely to the rear wheels, but now, new reports are stating that the all-new F10 M5 may be available with all-wheel drive.

Exact details of this upcoming M5 have yet to be revealed, but BMW has reportedly confirmed that an AWD-version is in the cards. The production version of the 2012 BMW M5 is set to hit the Frankfurt Motor Show stage in September, and we expect to suss out a few more tidbits of information before that time arrives. Until then, we're content to fill our dreams with visions of snow-filled four-wheel drifts punctuated by the turbo-muffled growl of a force-fed V8 engine.

Gallery: 2012 BMW M5 Concept

All-wheel-drive BMW M5 in the cards originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 May 2011 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW celebrates 25 years of all-wheel drive

Zach Bowman — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 17:41:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Technology, BMW

BMW celebrates 25 years of AWD - Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW says that after 25 years, one in four of the company's vehicles is sold with xDrive all-wheel drive. The German carmaker currently sells a total of 45 models that put power to all four tires, and it says that figure may rise in the near future. In order to celebrate just how far the company's all-wheel drive system has come over the past quarter decade, BMW has rolled out a quick stroll down memory lane. The first BMW to wear an X on its trunk debuted in 1985 and offered buyers a vehicle that was as capable when the road turned slippery as it was when the tarmac grew twisty.

Since then, BMW says that it has worked to give all of its all-wheel-drive vehicles the same rear-wheel bias as the rest of its products to maintain the now classic BMW driving feel. Hit the jump to see the full press release for yourself, and be sure to check out the gallery full of vintage BMW goodies.

Gallery: 25 Years of BMW AWD

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW celebrates 25 years of all-wheel drive

BMW celebrates 25 years of all-wheel drive originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Oct 2010 17:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2010 GMC Terrain - a tale of two engines

Alex Nunez — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Crossover, GMC, New Car Reviews

2010 GMC Terrain - Click above for high-res image gallery

GMC's "Professional Grade" tagline works best when it's being used to upsell truck shoppers into Sierras instead of Chevy Silverados, but even wider mass-market success comes from snaring folks who couldn't care less about payload. And while the Yukon has its place at the table for some families, the thirsty brontosaur's broad appeal vanished with the disappearance of super-cheap gasoline. Hence, traditionally truck-focused GMC has crossed over, so to speak. The three-row Acadia was the beginning, and while the trucks are still there for those who want or need them, if you're shopping for a family car, the nice man in the tie would like to show you something different: the 2010 GMC Terrain.

Gallery: Review: 2010 GMC Terrain

Continue reading Review: 2010 GMC Terrain - a tale of two engines

Review: 2010 GMC Terrain - a tale of two engines originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Jun 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota Exec: Hybrids too expensive for Scion, AWD possible

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hybrid, Scion, Toyota

2010 Scion Lineup - Click above for high-res image gallery

"Scion (is an) innovation laboratory and a chance to try new things," says Jack Hollis, vice president of Scion, Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Naturally, when we think of Toyota and innovation, we think hybrids. And, moving another step towards some sort of logical conclusion, since Scion is Toyota's youth-oriented brand and the younger generations are considered to be more in tune with the environment, hybrids would seemingly be a lock for the Scion brand. Not so, it seems, and the main stumbling block is a familiar one: cost.

Hybrids - and particularly Toyota's complicated Hybrid Synergy Drive - feature two distinct sets of drivetrain components that are each capable of powering the vehicle under certain circumstances. As such, they are more expensive to produce than typical internal combustion engine-powered vehicles. Add in an expensive battery pack, and the expected cost for a hybridized Scion shoots past the self-imposed $20,000 ceiling that Toyota has set on its entry-level marque.

So, if not hybrids (at least not in the near-term future), what innovative technology is Toyota considering for Scion? For starters, all-wheel drive, likely cribbed from Subaru, of which Toyota owns a 16.5-percent stake. Apparently, Toyota believes it can manage an all-wheel-drive Scion that doesn't break the $20,000 barrier more easily than it can one with a hybrid powertrain. Where that falls into the Japanese automaker's stated goal to produce ever more fuel efficient vehicles, we don't yet know.

Gallery: 2010 Scion Lineup

[Source: Wards Auto]

Toyota Exec: Hybrids too expensive for Scion, AWD possible originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Feb 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSA: Proper winter tires are more important than all-wheel drive

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Safety, Technology

With the adoption of front-wheel drive as the mainstream power delivery system of choice, the semi-annual ritual of swapping snow tires has largely disappeared for most Americans. In many northern areas, all-wheel drive has become an increasingly popular choice when offered as an option. But as much help as putting power through all four wheels can be, it simply can't substitute for a good set of snow tires.

Ultimately, grip comes down to four patches of rubber and if they're unable to make solid contact, the number of drive wheels becomes irrelevant. This became abundantly clear this past weekend while driving a new 2010 Subaru Legacy. The Legacy is a plush, roomy mid-size sedan with excellent outward visibility and Subaru makes an excellent symmetrical all wheel drive. Unfortunately, its all-season tires lacked traction. Read on after the jump for more.

Continue reading PSA: Proper winter tires are more important than all-wheel drive

PSA: Proper winter tires are more important than all-wheel drive originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What's in a Name? BMW to roll out sDrive for rear-drivers

Noah Joseph — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 19:27:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, BMW

Remember the good old days when at least BMW nomenclature was straightforward? The first digit designated the series and the second and third the displacement of the engine. Maybe an extra letter would be tacked on, but that was it. Then they started with M this, Z that and X for the SUVs with xDrive all-wheel drive. So now we've got things like the X6 xDrive 35i. Now they're dropping another one on us: rear-wheel-drive models, which used to be the entire BMW line-up, will now bear the "sDrive" nameplate in addition to whatever else they stick on there.

We already knew this was coming for the upcoming X1, which will be offered in both xDrive (AWD) and sDrive (RWD) variants. (The current X3, X5 and X6 crossovers are all strictly all-wheel-drive models.) BMW has even reportedly registered the trademarks for sDrive18, sDrive20, sDrive30 and sDrive35, as if someone else would try and use the confusing nomenclature. Wait a second... sDrive35? As in the twin-turbo straight six in the 335i? That's bigger than the engine offered in the larger X3, so what is BMW up to?

Reports indicate that the sDrive nameplate could begin appearing on other BMW models driven through the rear axle, including the replacement for the Z4 roadster that was just caught nekkid today. If you look closely on the front fender, you can see a badge that looks an awful lot like "sDrive". We wouldn't expect to see the moniker on the standard series models (1, 3, 5, 6 and 7 Series), since those get the suffix "iX", but we're not sure we can even count on that anymore.

[Source: PaulTan.org]

What's in a Name? BMW to roll out sDrive for rear-drivers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Dec 2008 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW creates two-wheel drive off-road bike

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 19:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Technology, BMW, Motorcycle

Click on the image above for more shots of the 2WD BMW concept bike

A rider needs to be just a bit off their rocker to have any chance of winning a European hill climbing event, but some really effective machinery can make the task slightly easier. With that in mind, BMW, long considered to be a rather staid and proper bike manufacturer, has gone off the deep end by creating a two-wheel drive off-road hill climbing machine. Powered by slightly modified version of the parallel twin engine used in the German marque's F800 and new GS machines, the liquid cooled mill should offer nearly one-hundred horsepower to both wheels. Getting that power to the ground in front is what appears to be a hydraulic pump and motor system mounted to the beefy front forks. Spinning forces originate from a dual sprocket with chains leading to the rear axle and up into the bodywork.

With dedicated racing machinery like this and the new 450cc four-stroke dirt bike project, BMW is most definitely leaving its mild roots behind. Unfortunately, no production plans are currently in the works for the impressive hill climbing bike, though we look forward to seeing what else comes from the fertile minds at BMW Motorrad.

Gallery: 2WD BMW Bike

[Source: The Biker Gene]

BMW creates two-wheel drive off-road bike originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Jul 2008 19:28:00 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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VW Group's next small-car platform to get AWD across the board

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 06 May 2008 14:59:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Hatchback, Audi, Volkswagen, SEAT

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Audi metroproject quattro Concept.

Buyers of the next generation of Volkswagen-developed small cars will have one more option box to tick when placing their order: all-wheel-drive. The new platform, dubbed PQ25, will find its way underneath a handful of new models, spanning the range from the low-end (SEAT), mid-grade (VW) and luxury (Audi). All-wheel-drive won't be an option for the new SEAT Ibiza, but consumers of the next VW Polo (specifically the CrossPolo) might be able to outfit their tiny runabout with AWD, while the Audi A1, due out in late 2009, will continue the automaker's love affair with quattro.

Gallery: Audi metroproject quattro concept

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

VW Group's next small-car platform to get AWD across the board originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 May 2008 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Haldex developing AWD system for Hyundai

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 08:34:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Hyundai

The Swedish engineers at Haldex can finally add an Asian automaker to the ever-expanding list of companies using the firm's all-wheel-drive systems. Haldex currently supplies systems to the entire Volkswagen consortium (from Audi to Bugatti), as well as Land Rover and Volvo. Additionally, the Haldex XWD system that's finding its way into Saabs will likely spread across much of the GM range in the future. That same AWD setup is the basis for a system that will be employed on some Hyundai models in the coming years.

Haldex announced the partnership late last week when it received a prototype order from Hyundai, which includes the development and installation of the fourth generation "Limited Slip Coupling" and electronic LSD. The XWD system has the ability to sense a loss of traction and then distribute power to either the front or rear axle and on to an individual wheel.

There's no word on what vehicle will be used as a drivetrain guinea pig during testing, but the smart money is on some form of SUV or large sedan.

[Source: Trading Markets]

Haldex developing AWD system for Hyundai originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Nov 2007 08:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Torque Vectoring: The future of AWD

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 11:03:00 EST

Filed under: Safety, Technology, Acura, Audi, BMW, Mitsubishi

The F-16 is inherently unstable and cannot fly without computerized nannies to keep it aloft. As AWD systems in cars get more complex and can do more things more quickly, one wonders if there will come a time when we'll be absolutely unable to drive without gizmos to make sure rubber stays on road. Torque vectoring is the next step in AWD, its contribution being that it can get power to any wheel nearly instantly without having to use the brakes or cut power.

Most current AWD control wheelspin by braking a spinning wheel or cutting the power from the engine. Torque vectoring is achieved by using redesigned differentials that can distribute power to the wheel or wheels that have traction. That means that wheels don't need to be stopped, and even better, you won't suffer from a sudden loss of power as you're negotiating an unexpected loss in traction. The systems in use now or being developed work on FWD, RWD, and AWD cars, and can get power to any wheel or combination of wheels. Ricardo's system can do so in a tenth of a second.

We drove Acuras with SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive) earlier this year on an ice track in Montreal, and the difference is remarkable. Where other SUV's stopped in the middle of an icy corner either due to braking or power loss, the Acuras maintained their lines almost at speed. Mitsubishi has used the technology for almost a decade now on its Lancer Evolutions, and Audi and BMW will be joining the party later this year with new systems from Ricardo and ZF.

[Source: Popular Mechanics]

Torque Vectoring: The future of AWD originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 14 Oct 2007 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infiniti G37 coupe to get AWD

Dan Roth — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 10:07:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Etc., Infiniti

Official word has yet to come down from on high, but it's pretty much a foregone conclusion that the Infiniti G37 will eventually get AWD hardware. Potential buyers are asking dealers, who are in turn asking Infiniti about channeling the VQ's urge through all four wheels. The M45 and G35S will both be gaining AWD in the near future, so it does bode well for the possibility of a G37x. Official statements are vague about any actual developments, other than to say "it's reasonable to expect it may happen." It's also reasonable to assume that Infiniti's watching the competition like BMW and Audi proliferating AWD euro-luxers, and they'd be remiss to neglect offering the same capabilities.

[Source: Inside Line]

Gallery: 2007 Infiniti G37 Coupe

Infiniti G37 coupe to get AWD originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Aug 2007 10:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autocar drives the new Saab 9-3

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 12:38:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Saab, First Drives

Click on the photo for a high-res gallery of the 2008 Saab 9-3 convertible

The crew at AutoCar in jolly old England recently had a first crack at the updated 2008 Saab 9-3 and they've published their initial impressions. They mainly got to play with the flex-fuel 2.0L turbo four, which will probably be the base engine when the new Saab arrives on our shores. In Europe, the 9-3 will also be available with the 2.8L turbo V-6 and a twin turbo 1.8L diesel. Unfortunately, we probably won't get the diesel here.

The Brits were also impressed by the new XWD all-wheel-drive system that uses a combination of the latest Haldex center differential and an electronic limited slip differential in the rear axle to instantly distribute the drive torque away from slipping wheels to the ones that have grip in a smooth, seamless transition. Check out the rest of AutoCars driving impressions here.

[Source: AutoCar]

Gallery: 2008 Saab 9-3 Convertible

Gallery: 2008 Saab 9-3 Sedan and SportCombi

Autocar drives the new Saab 9-3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 17 Jun 2007 12:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Enter the (drivetrain) rumormill: V6, AWD Corolla on the horizon?

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 24 May 2007 09:27:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Toyota

Our friends over at the Authority of all things Motored came across an interesting interview with Soichiro Okudaira, a Toyota technician, who maintains that the next Corolla may have a large enough engine bay to fit a 3.5-liter V6. The idea is being batted around ToMoCo's executive washroom, along with the possibility of offering an all-wheel-drive variant of Toyota's compact sedan.

AWD-equipped Corollas (named the Auris in other parts of the world) are nothing new, as they've been offered in Japan before, but aside from the Corolla 4Trac of yesteryear, we haven't had an AWD option for some time (Matrix excluded). Okudaira says that more R-and-D is necessary, as the rear wheel setup still has to be augmented to accept the new drivetrain components.

European buyers will surely get a diesel version when the new Corolla is released, while those of us in the U.S. are destined to get a petrol-powerplant. If the V6 gets the green light, Motor Authority expects the new Corolla to be launched in the States later this year.

[Source: AutoTelegraaf.nl via Motor Authority]

Enter the (drivetrain) rumormill: V6, AWD Corolla on the horizon? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 May 2007 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York Auto Show: Subaru's bigger Impreza makes its impression upon NYC [VIDEO]

Eric Bryant — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 11:06:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Sedan, Wagon, Hatchback, Subaru

UPDATE: Video of the live reveal added after the jump!

click above image to view 90 high-res shots of the 2008 Subaru Impreza

After running a few executives across the podium at its press intro, Subaru finally got down to business and pulled the sheet from its refreshed Impreza 2.5i.

The four-door sedan version is exclusive to the US, and is about a half-foot longer than the five-door hatch shown here. Both models are 4.5" wider than the outgoing version, and carry the widened grille and new logo that are supposed to pay homage to Subaru's aircraft heritage. It looks better in person than in photos, but we're not yet ready to commit to, you know, actually liking it. Inside, the Impreza has a roomy feel, but the overall quality left us feeling a bit unsatisfied.

Don't look for significant increases in power under the hood; in fact, the naturally-aspirated 2.5L flat-four is actually down a few ponies at the peak, with a bit more torque and improvements in emissions and fuel economy as a consolation prize. It's still backed by a five-speed manual or four-speed auto. Those in the snow belt, take note - Subaru's commitment to safety is followed-through via the inclusion of the new stability control system, and of course Symmetrical All Wheel Drive is standard.

Keep an eye out for our post on the WRX version coming shortly.

Check out the 2008 Impreza in our photo gallery, the official press release after the jump, and of course there's a detailed list of our other coverage available in our New York Auto Show megapost.

Gallery: 2008 Subaru Impreza

Continue reading New York Auto Show: Subaru's bigger Impreza makes its impression upon NYC [VIDEO]

New York Auto Show: Subaru's bigger Impreza makes its impression upon NYC [VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Apr 2007 11:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BorgWarner gets tapped to provide AWD system for Avenger

Dan Roth — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Chrysler, Daimler, Dodge

Following on the heels of the successful AWD adaptation of the Chrysler Pacifica, Borg Warner has been tapped once again to outfit the ~~Sebring and~~ Avenger models with all-wheel motiviation. The Borg will supply the hardware as well as the electronic controls and support for integrating the system with the rest of the platform. BW has a line of products specifically aimed at adapting AWD to front-drive platforms. Known as iTrac, the suite of products is designed to interface with stability and traction control systems. With everything working in concert, the Interactive Torque Management (ITM 3e(C)) system is designed to offer the sure-footed dynamics of an AWD chassis with no fuel economy penalty. At highway speeds, power transfer to the rear wheels is reduced, lowering friction and allowing for better fuel economy.

Whether or not AWD is entirely necessary (a full suite of four snow tires and a prudent driver are often nearly as effective) remains to be seen, but it is popular. With the buying public being sold on AWD as a safety feature, it benefits manufacturers when they can offer it on more of their models, and it's a further benefit when the platform doesn't need much re-engineering for the extra hardware.

UPDATE: PRNewswire has issued a correction stating that the release should not have specified the Chrysler Sebring at all. The news applies only to the Dodge Avenger.

[Source: Borg Warner via prnewswire - Sub Req'd]
BorgWarner gets tapped to provide AWD system for Avenger originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Feb 2007 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Rumormill: MINI 4x4 under development

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 08:34:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Hatchback, BMW, Mini

With the new MINI on its way and the Clubman on the horizon, how else can BMW capitalize on the iconic hatch's popularity? Diversify.

According to AutoExpress' sources within BMW/MINI, the Cooper will likely come equipped with some manner of all-wheel-drive in the future, along with an "intelligent" transmission and a flexible interior that makes the most of the interior space. If such a beast comes to fruition, the possibility of a crossover version and even a pickup variant are also in the cards.

That last part leaves us a little stunned and somewhat worried about brand dilution, even if they are just rumors. Then again, with total sales of the new MINI likely to reach one million sometime in 2007, the automaker's momentum may allow for some interesting spinoffs.

[Source: AutoExpress]
Rumormill: MINI 4x4 under development originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Nov 2006 08:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Ferrari develops 4WD system

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 07:06:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Supercars, Ferrari

According to an article in Italiaspeed, it seems you may be able to equip your next prancing horse with all-wheel-drive.

What's being called "insertable 4x4" can be equipped in both Ferrari's mid-engine and front-engine vehicles and will only be activated if the computer senses a loss of traction. However, unlike systems utilized by Lamborghini, Ferrari drivers can choose between traditional rear-wheel- and the four-wheel-drive when and where they wish.

The new system functions much like a conventional gearbox, however, a secondary clutch is joined to the crankshaft, which will only be engaged when the system detects a slide or excessive wheel-spin. When it does, power will be sent to the front wheels to right the vehicle. According to the article, the system works very well, however the all-wheel-drive system can only be active for a short amount of time at high speeds, as mechanisms in the system are prone to overheating. Whether or not this problem will carry through to the production models was not addressed in the article.

When it comes to outright traction, all-wheel-drive is clearly the dominating drive train, however, with the additional weight and complexity of the system, we hope that Ferrari is willing to take the inevitable flack that will come from their core clientele of drive train traditionalists.

[Source: Italiaspeed]
Ferrari develops 4WD system originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Oct 2006 07:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Ford Transit gets 4WD

Noah Joseph — Thu, 21 Sep 2006 18:24:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Work, Ford

Click to enlarge
The Ford Transit has for decades been the standard working horse of Europe and much of the rest of the world - the F-150 for our friends across the pond. The versatile work-a-day hauler was recently named Van of the Year by a pan-European panel of automotive journalists. (Why didn't they ask us? Just 'cause we can't find "Yurp" on a map doesn't mean we don't have an opinion!)

Ford's upping the ante and making a versatile vehicle even more versatile by offering the van now with four-wheel-drive. Mated to a 140-hp 2.4-liter turbodiesel through a six-speed floor-shifter, Ford expects the surefooted Transit to find its way into the garages of police departments, park rangers and rescue workers (among others) who'll undoubtedly find its enhanced capability to make for a handy tool.

(Press release, hires pics after the jump after the jump)

[Source: Ford UK]
Continue reading Ford Transit gets 4WD
Ford Transit gets 4WD originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Sep 2006 18:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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