Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Audi aluminum-bodied A5 prototype sheds over 240 pounds]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/audi-aluminum-bodied-a5-prototype-sheds-over-240-pounds/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/audi-aluminum-bodied-a5-prototype-sheds-over-240-pounds/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/audi-aluminum-bodied-a5-prototype-sheds-over-240-pounds/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Audi Aluminum A5 Coupe Prototype - Click above for a high-res image

Audi is continuing the aluminum architecture tradition employed on the A8, R8 and TT with a new prototype of the A5 that sheds 242 pounds from the standard 2.0-liter model.

The Aluminum A5 Prototype uses the steel-bodied production vehicle as its base, then incorporates the Audi Space Frame (ASF) technology and a carbon fiber hood and trunk to bring the curb weight down from 3,130 pounds to 2,888 pounds. Compared to the V6 model, the 208 hp turbocharged 2.0-liter model has a power-to-weight ratio of 159-hp per ton, while the V6 variant trumps it by only 11 hp per ton.

While Audi's aluminum technology is sure to find its way into future models, including the A5, Audi doesn't plan to produce the current A5 using the ASF concept quite yet. That's likely to happen with the next generation model due out in a few years, but talk of an Ur-Quattro revival with the S5 (or RS5) could be the opening salvo with the coupe, and this is a good indication that work is well underway. Full details in the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Audi aluminum-bodied A5 prototype sheds over 240 pounds

Audi aluminum-bodied A5 prototype sheds over 240 pounds originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a5 conceptA5Conceptaluminumaluminum audi a5 conceptAluminumAudiA5ConceptasfaudiWed, 30 Sep 2009 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Ratan Tata: All future Jaguars and Land Rovers to feature aluminum construction]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/03/ratan-tata-all-future-jaguars-and-land-rovers-to-feature-alumin/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/03/ratan-tata-all-future-jaguars-and-land-rovers-to-feature-alumin/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/03/ratan-tata-all-future-jaguars-and-land-rovers-to-feature-alumin/#comments
2010 Jaguar XJ - Click above for high-res image gallery

Jaguar has been touting the aluminum-intensive construction of the XJ sedan since the previous-generation model was introduced back in 2003. According to the automaker, the use of aluminum in lieu of steel can lead to an impressive 40 percent reduction in weight. That's bound to have positive effects on driving dynamics, performance and efficiency.

With its latest redesign, Jaguar claims to have improved its aluminum architecture even further, so it's not surprising that the company plans to extend the technology to the rest of its line. According to Ratan Tata, chairman of the company that now owns Jaguar Land Rover, "JLR is planning to have all its future cars constructed with light weight aluminum bodies resulting in considerable savings in weight, and reduction in CO2 emissions."

To go along with their new diets, Jaguar and Land Rover are known to be experimenting with hybrid powertrains. A kinetic energy recovery system may be in the cards for the XJ line in 2011 while Land Rover has been working on an Electric Rear Axle Drive that could debut in the upcoming LRX compact Range Rover.


Gallery: 2010 Jaguar XJ


[Source: Motor E Magazine]

Ratan Tata: All future Jaguars and Land Rovers to feature aluminum construction originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Aug 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aluminumjaguarjaguar land roverjaguar xfjaguar xfrjaguar xjjaguar xjrjaguar xkJaguarLandRoverJaguarXfJaguarXfrJaguarXjJaguarXjrJaguarXkMon, 03 Aug 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Big Block Fever: First Anniversary 427 Big Block ZL-1 on the block at Barrett Jackson]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/16/big-block-fever-neo-zl-1-001-on-the-block-at-barrett-jackson/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/16/big-block-fever-neo-zl-1-001-on-the-block-at-barrett-jackson/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/16/big-block-fever-neo-zl-1-001-on-the-block-at-barrett-jackson/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Monster motors were the order of the day in the late 1960s, and GM's 427 was a part of that class. The drawback to a big-block's burly output was, and still is, the increased weight of the engine. While big blocks are a hoot for straight line shenanigans, a small block car is often a better all-around performer. That goes out the window for most of us upon tapping that vast well of torque, and there was a solution direct from GM. The ZL1 was a 427 rendered in aluminum to save weight and carried a 430 horsepower rating. The ZL1 is the stuff of legend, commanding the sharp intake of breath when mentioned with the Corvette, and reverent silence should the COPO Camaro be cited.

GM Performance Parts is whipping up a limited run of all new ZL1s, built from the same tooling as the original. A total of 427 of the Anniversary 427 Big Block engines will be produced, creating a new piece of automotive unobtanium while leaving the ZL1 mystique intact. You might even argue that the new engine run will add to the lore. We'll get to see just how much of a clamor there might be for these new engines when the very first Anniversary 427 Big Block crate engine, serial number 001, goes up for bid at the upcoming Barrett-Jackson auction. The remaining 426 engines will be available soon from GM Performance Parts dealers, and will likely be snapped up like rabid moms going after Hannah Montana tickets.

[Source: GM via Winding Road]

Gallery: 427 Anniversary Big Block


Continue reading Big Block Fever: First Anniversary 427 Big Block ZL-1 on the block at Barrett Jackson

Big Block Fever: First Anniversary 427 Big Block ZL-1 on the block at Barrett Jackson originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jan 2008 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>427aluminumbig blockBigBlockcratecrate enginecrate motorCrateEngineCrateMotorenginegeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmgm performance partsGmPerformancePartshot rodhot roddingHotRodHotRoddingmotorpartsperformancev8zl-1zl1Wed, 16 Jan 2008 18:58:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW USA offering factory performance parts, with full warranty]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/19/bmw-usa-offering-factory-performance-parts-with-full-warranty/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/19/bmw-usa-offering-factory-performance-parts-with-full-warranty/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/19/bmw-usa-offering-factory-performance-parts-with-full-warranty/#commentsFiled under: ,



BMW has officially thrown its hat in the performance parts game here in the U.S., likely rivaling the products available from aftermarket firms and coming complete with a factory-backed warranty.

Beginning with the 3-series and Z4, BMW is offering a host of components, from brake upgrades to engine kits, that will boost performance and not cause owners to fear a trip to the dealer for service. Some of the parts include carbon fiber and aluminum strut braces, 3.07:1 performance diffs, lowering kits, performance exhausts and a engine package for three-liter models that includes new camshafts and a modified ECU that boosts output to 235 HP and 222 lb.-ft. or torque.

All of the wonderful tidbits can be procured after the jump, and we'd suspect good things to come from the Bimmer boys when they release packages designed for the 335i and the upcoming 135i.

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW USA offering factory performance parts, with full warranty

BMW USA offering factory performance parts, with full warranty originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Sep 2007 08:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3 liter3-liter3-series3.0l3Literaftermarketaluminumbmwbwm 3-seriesBwm3-seriescamshaftscarbon fiberCarbonFiberdifferentialecuengineexhaustperformance partsPerformancePartsstrut bracesStrutBracesthree literthree-literThreeLiterz4Wed, 19 Sep 2007 08:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercedes going all-aluminum with new SL and SLC super coupe]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/19/mercedes-going-all-aluminum-with-new-sl-and-slc-super-coupe/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/19/mercedes-going-all-aluminum-with-new-sl-and-slc-super-coupe/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/19/mercedes-going-all-aluminum-with-new-sl-and-slc-super-coupe/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



In late June we showed you spy shots of the Mercedes-Benz SCL, what we believe will be Mercedes' answer to the Audi R8. It seems that the new Merc will be armed with a new weapon when it enters the fight - a lower curb weight.

Just Auto is reporting that Mercedes has plans to build the SL model out of aluminum, much like Aston Martin, Audi, Jaguar and Rolls-Royce have done with some of their models. Expected to use an aluminum spaceframe and body panels, the new SL should be at least 10 - 15% lighter than the current model, the weight of which ranges from 3,860 lbs. to 4,500 lbs. depending on what model and options are chosen.

Not wanting an interruption in SL production when the new aluminum structure is phased in, Mercedes is planning the super coupe SLC as a car that will use the spaceframe but be produced only in limited numbers. The idea is to make sure all the kinks are ironed out of the new production process before it's applied to the higher volume SL. Expect only about 3,000 to 4,000 SLC coupes to be produced, and you'll be able to pick one up around 2010, two years before the new all-aluminum SL debuts.

The SLC, however, will not share a body panel with the SL, which means it could even be the retro "gull-wing" coupe at which insiders have been hinting. We're also not sure if Mercedes will even continue to produce the SLC after the new SL arrives in 2012. At this point, there remains more questions than answers.

[Source: Just Auto - sub. req'd]

Mercedes going all-aluminum with new SL and SLC super coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jul 2007 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aluminummercedesmercedes-benzmercedes-benz slMercedes-benzSlSLslcsuper coupeSuperCoupeThu, 19 Jul 2007 17:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Next Range Rover to go upmarket, downmarket and lighter-weight]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/16/next-range-rover-to-go-upmarket-downmarket-and-lighter-weight/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/16/next-range-rover-to-go-upmarket-downmarket-and-lighter-weight/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/16/next-range-rover-to-go-upmarket-downmarket-and-lighter-weight/#commentsFiled under: ,

With Ford selling off parts of its Premium Automotive Group (PAG) one at a time, it remains uncertain if Land Rover and Jaguar will end up under the same ownership in the future. In the meantime, Land Rover is collaborating with Jaguar on a future flagship model that will draw on Jaguar's expertise to produce a new Range Rover with a lighter-weight construction that could expand both upmarket and down.

Based on a new aluminum structure called Premium Lightweight Architecture, the next Range Rover is anticipated to shed about 40% off the unpainted unibody's weight, and some 800 pounds off the curb weight. Applying the magic formula of less weight and more power from a revised engine line-up, also benefiting from Jaguar collaboration, would contribute to improved performance and fuel economy. An all-new 5.0-liter V8 could produce about 350 hp, or as much as 460 supercharged, while the existing range of diesels are anticipated to be bored out from 2.7 liters to 3 and from 3.6 liters to 4. If Land Rover chose to shoehorn in the smaller Jaguar/Land Rover turbodiesel into the lightweight Range Rover, it would create a lower model in the range, while the top-end, supercharged version could fetch as much as $200,000 and feature a full spectrum of luxury equipment to anchor the SUV's position at the top of the luxury sport-ute market.

A new styling direction, led by new design chief Phil Simmons, is expected to include shorter overhangs and de-emphasized greenhouse to give a tauter and less top-heavy appearance. If given the green light for development by Ford or by any future parent company, the Range Rover would be the first in a series of new models from Land Rover, to be followed by a new Discovery (LR2), Freelander (LR3), Defender and Range Rover Sport.

[Source: Motor Authority via AutoWeek]

Next Range Rover to go upmarket, downmarket and lighter-weight originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Jul 2007 18:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aluminumfordjaguarlandlight weightLightWeightpagrangeroverMon, 16 Jul 2007 18:23:00 EST<![CDATA[The new Range Rover: Coming with aluminum!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/11/the-new-range-rover-coming-with-aluminum/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/11/the-new-range-rover-coming-with-aluminum/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/11/the-new-range-rover-coming-with-aluminum/#commentsFiled under: ,

Imagine you're overweight. A friend of yours tells you about a diet he got great results from. If you do the one simple thing he did, you'll lose around 1,000 pounds. You'd try it, wouldn't you? That's what's in store for the next generation Range Rover, with plans to give the Posh-UV an all-aluminum chassis.

The newer, lighter Range won't arrive until 2012, but engineers have sought approval to build it with a rivet-bonded aluminum monocoque. To do so, it would employ lessons and technology from the Jaguar XJ sedan. In light of the cost involved, such construction would also be spread throughout the Land Rover line. Weight savings for the Range Rover would be around 40-percent, equating to anywhere from 300-500 kg over the current version, a change that would seem to be all pro and no con. Engines would also be borrowed from Jag -- the same lumps expected to power the XF sedan. The 350-450 HP engines would go a lot further in an aluminum Range, as would a speculated hybrid version.

A decision on the aluminum option hasn't been made yet, but it is expected to get the go-ahead.

[Source: Motor Authority]

The new Range Rover: Coming with aluminum! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 May 2007 08:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aluminumdieselhybridrangeroverFri, 11 May 2007 08:34:00 EST<![CDATA[No more aluminum for Subaru exteriors]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/26/no-more-aluminum-for-subaru-exteriors/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/26/no-more-aluminum-for-subaru-exteriors/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/26/no-more-aluminum-for-subaru-exteriors/#commentsFiled under: ,



According to Forbes, Subaru will stop utilizing aluminum exterior body panels on all new and redesigned models, beginning in March of 2007. Subaru claims that over the past two years, the cost of aluminum has more than doubled and as such, it will begin using zinc-coated steel sheets instead.

The models currently using aluminum panels include the Legacy, Forester and Impreza. We know the hood of the Impreza is aluminum, but can't remember what else. All you NASIOC and i-Club boys can refresh our memory in the 'comments.'

[Source: Forbes via Jalopnik]

No more aluminum for Subaru exteriors originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Dec 2006 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aluminiumaluminumforesterimprezalegacyoutbackstisubaruTue, 26 Dec 2006 19:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Special for Ferrari: Alcoa opens new aluminum plant in Modena]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/01/special-for-ferrari-alcoa-opens-new-aluminum-plant-in-modena/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/01/special-for-ferrari-alcoa-opens-new-aluminum-plant-in-modena/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/01/special-for-ferrari-alcoa-opens-new-aluminum-plant-in-modena/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Aluminum giant Alcoa has opened a new facility in Modena specifically to provide aluminum space frames and components to Ferrari.

The two companies began collaborating in 1994, when Ferrari determined that the lightweight metal was the way to go to reduce weight and improve the dynamics of its road cars, and began producing the space frames for the 360 Modena in 1998. Today Alcoa is Ferrari's development and construction partner, with the aluminum conglomerate providing the frames for the F430, 612 Scaglietti and the new 599 GTB Fiorano.

Until now, Alcoa produced the components at their own plants in Hungary, Germany and the Netherlands and sent them to the Ferrari factory in Italy where Alcoa personnel assembled them into full space frames at Scaglietti Works, Ferrari's body panel facility. With the new state-of-the-art 5,000-square-meter, million-euro facility, Alcoa will produce the space frames on site. The factory includes two high-speed robotic machining centers, two robotic joining centers and 12 space-frame assembly cells.

Alcoa's overall investment in Italy totals nearly $300 million, having taken over Alumix in 1996 and incorporating six facilities: three extrusion plants, two smelters and one rolling mill, employing 1,900 workers directly and 4,000 indirectly. While we're not likely to see any direct results from the new facility, it should help Ferrari produce its cars more efficiently, which is good all around.

[Source: FerrariWorld via Motorpasion]

Special for Ferrari: Alcoa opens new aluminum plant in Modena originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Nov 2006 21:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hopefully the potential dispersal of the Ford Premier Group won't affect this wonderful Jaguar/Land Rover collaboration that is being rumored. By borrowing aluminum (aluminium?) expertise from Jaguar, future Land Rovers could be as much as 1,000 pounds lighter than current models. Utilizing Jaguar's rivet-bonded aluminum monocoque body design, Land Rover could continue to build large luxury SUVs that are lighter and return even better fuel economy.

According to What Car's inside source, the new Range Rover will be the first all-alloy, monocoque-bodied 4x4 when it debuts in 2010. "There's no decision yet, and we don't have to decide for a couple of years, but it seems a logical step to investigate," said their source.

As they further point out, the Discovery and Range Rover Sport are both due for replacement a couple of years after the Range Rover, and it would make economic sense to share the technology across as many models as possible to exact the best economies of scale for L-R. It was expected that the new RR might switch to Land Rover's semi-monocoque steel T5 platform, which underpins the Discovery and the Range Rover Sport, but this makes a whole lot more sense.

Curb weight for the current Range Rover is about 6,000 pounds, but with a similar 15% weight savings as Jag has witnessed, Land Rover could get that down to less than 5,000 while maintaining the off-road toughness for which its vehicles are known. The boost in fuel economy and performance wouldn't hurt either.

[Source: What Car?]

Forget South Beach, Land Rover using Jaguar diet originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Oct 2006 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aluminumDiscoveryFord Premier Auto GroupFordPremierAutoGroupLand RoverLandRovermonocoqueRange RoverRange Rover SportRangeRoverRangeRoverSportMon, 16 Oct 2006 14:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Paris Motor Show: Audi R8 cutaways]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/02/paris-motor-show-audi-r8-cutaways/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/02/paris-motor-show-audi-r8-cutaways/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/02/paris-motor-show-audi-r8-cutaways/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Normally, anyone guilty of cutting up a beautiful supercar such as the Audi R8 would have us looking to perform the same treatment on the perpetrator. In this case, however, we'll let the crime go unpunished, since this peak under the skin of Ingolstadt's new Autobahn burner gives us a chance to admire it for more that just its looks.

Continue reading Paris Motor Show: Audi R8 cutaways

Paris Motor Show: Audi R8 cutaways originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Oct 2006 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aluminumaudiauto showcoupecutawaygtmotor showparisr8space frametechMon, 02 Oct 2006 12:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Jaguar surprises dealers with peek of new S-Type]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/03/jaguar-surprises-dealers-with-peak-of-new-s-type/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/03/jaguar-surprises-dealers-with-peak-of-new-s-type/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/03/jaguar-surprises-dealers-with-peak-of-new-s-type/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Jaguar invited some of its dealers to the launch of the new XKR and surprised them with a private unveiling of the new S-Type sedan. Ford has been feeding rumors that the new S-Type's styling will be a major breakthrough for the brand, and reaction to the sneak peek at Jaguar's four-door feline seem to support that. The retro look has reportedly been ditched in favor of "heavy flanks", a four-door coupe profile and a "wide and deep grille flanked by prominent headlights". The car did suffer a setback when Jaguar dropped plans to build it on a modified aluminum XJ platform. Instead the new car will roll on the current model's (pictured) steel frame.

The new S-Type is still 12 months away from being publicly debuted, but dealers are notorious for being brutally honest about a car's potential, so their reaction to the car at the XKR introduction is a good sign.

[Source: CarKeys]

Jaguar surprises dealers with peek of new S-Type originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Jul 2006 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aluminumretroS-TypestylingMon, 03 Jul 2006 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Jaguar aluminum plans recycled by Ford]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/12/jaguar-aluminum-plans-recycled-by-ford/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/12/jaguar-aluminum-plans-recycled-by-ford/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/12/jaguar-aluminum-plans-recycled-by-ford/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Jaguar, Ford Motor Co.'s most troubled member in its Premiere Automotive Group (PAG), suffered another setback when its parent company halted the luxury brand's plans to develop its newest vehicles based on an aluminum architecture. The company had hoped to use this new platform to bolster its image as 'cutting-edge' against such competitors as BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Cost of the new architecture, though, lead to Ford's decision.

"Given the current financial circumstances of Jaguar we have pretty tight reins on them (costs)," said Lewis Booth, executive vice president of Premier Auto Group and Ford of Europe. "That may restrict us getting to the perfect architecture line-up as quickly as we might have liked but...we need short-term improvements as well as planning for the long term."

The upcoming S-Type would have been the first recipient of the new platform. Instead, its current steel-based frame will be upgraded instead.

[Source: Financial Times via MSNBC]

Jaguar aluminum plans recycled by Ford originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 12 Mar 2006 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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