Autoblog

2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe [w/video]

Zach Bowman — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Hyundai, First Drives, New Car Reviews

It's What's Inside That Counts

Long before we saw the Hyundai Genesis Coupe in the flesh, word of the vehicle's arrival flittered around the web with tantalizing persistence. Few rumors manage to get the enthusiast world licking its chops quite as well as one with a potent V6 in the nose of a rear-wheel-drive two-door. Editors began salivating at the thought of a performance coupe renaissance, complete with all of the associated front-page comparos, while forums lit up with threads detailing hypothetical grudge matches between the would-be Korean prize fighter and hardware from the Nissan 370Z to the then-upcoming Chevrolet Camaro V6. Hyundai had clearly rustled up some snakes.

Then the Genesis Coupe debuted, and while ingredients like available Brembo brakes and a limited-slip rear differential pointed to the possibility of a genuine contender, it's fair to say the coupe never really became a top-flight prospect for many enthusiasts. A vague gearbox and similarly detached brakes sapped precision from the platform, consigning it to a mid-pack finish in our three-way Battle of the Sixes comparison test back in 2010.

None of this is news to Hyundai. The company began planning ways to sharpen its first genuine sports car nearly as soon as the vehicle debuted at the 2008 New York Auto Show. For 2013, the two-door receives a dose of the automaker's patented love-it-or-hate-it styling as well as a host of mechanical improvements tucked behind the polarizing aesthetics. Are the changes enough to give the 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe the fangs it needs to thrive in the cutthroat performance coupe world?

Continue reading 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe [w/video]

2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ID Agency and Michael Chacon show off Ford Focus build

Zach Bowman — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Budget, Etc., Videos, Hatchback, Ford

Now that the dust has begun to settle after the SEMA explosion, we're discovering a handful of awesome videos that shed a little more light on some of our favorite cars from the show. That includes the ID Agency Ford Focus worked up with professional fixed-gear bike rider Michael Chacon. The hatch wears some seriously sexy BASF paint, and with a body kit drawn up by design guru Jon Sibal and a Wraptivo carbon fiber roof, the Focus has some serious attitude. An AEM cold-air intake and a Magnaflow exhaust help bump up the power, while a Brembo big brake kit is responsible for bringing the machine down from speed.

Inside sits a set of some of the most beautiful seats we've ever laid eyes on. The Sportster thrones were worked up by Recaro and feature two-tone leather and plenty of custom stitching. Do want.

The video after the jump spends plenty of time speaking with Chacon about his inspirations and what it's like to see SEMA from the outside. The clip is set to some pretty snappy tunes, including M83's "Midnight City." Hit the jump to check it out for yourself.

Continue reading ID Agency and Michael Chacon show off Ford Focus build

ID Agency and Michael Chacon show off Ford Focus build originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Nov 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Take a closer look at the Hyundai Genesis Hurricane SC

Zach Bowman — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 17:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Hyundai, Specialty

There are few things in this realm or the next that can't be cured with the judicious application of forced induction. Just ask the engineers at the Hyundai Technical Center. They were able to take the Hyundai Genesis Coupe and wring more than 450 horsepower from the vehicle's 3.8-liter V6 engine. The result is the Genesis Hurricane SC we saw at this year's SEMA show, and Hyundai has turned out a new video of the high-performance coupe to show off every last detail.

As you may recall, the Hurricane SC is more than a blower. The vehicle features a liquid-to-air intercooler, Bilstein monotube shocks coupled to adjustable ride control springs and Brembo six-piston calipers squeezing cross-drilled rotors. The vehicle also received a full aesthetic makeover to go with its impressive innards: a new front bumper, grille, hood and side skirts.

If you like what you see, you're in luck. Hyundai says that Rhys Millen is planning to produce a range of aero pieces for the Genesis Coupe similar to what's on the Hurricane SC. Follow the jump to check out the video.

Continue reading Take a closer look at the Hyundai Genesis Hurricane SC

Take a closer look at the Hyundai Genesis Hurricane SC originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Nov 2011 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW working on carbon-ceramic brakes for M5

Zach Bowman — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Europe, BMW, Luxury

Word has it that BMW is working on some serious stoppers for its M5. According to Bimmerfile, Dr. Herbert Diess, a member of the BMW board of management, has confirmed that the company is currently testing carbon ceramic discs for the M5 and upcoming M6. Brake supplier Brembo has teamed up with SGL Carbon for a joint venture to manufacture the discs, and Brembo is already responsible for bits like the multi-piston calipers already at work on the 2012 M5.

So, when we can we expect to see carbon discs on the performance sedan? That still remains unclear. Diess says that the hardware is at least another year out from production, which dovetails nicely with the scheduled arrival of the M5 on American shores. Even so, no one is saying whether the brakes will come as part of an optional package or as standard equipment on the 2013 model. Stay tuned.

BMW working on carbon-ceramic brakes for M5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Sep 2011 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Take rate on Brembo package for 2011 Ford Mustang higher than expected

Drew Phillips — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 09:27:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Ford

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

As a general rule, the things that us car journalists typically enjoy - things like manual transmissions, no-frills interiors and wagon variants - don't necessarily sell well. The same can be said for expensive non-powertrain performance options, which is why we were surprised to learn that the Brembo brake package for the 2011 Ford Mustang has been selling quite well.

According to Automobile Magazine, Ford says that the take rate for the option has "exceeded our expectations" and sales are "running substantially above last year's Track Pack." Perhaps we should give Mustang buyers, ostensibly only interested with drag racing, more credit than we initially thought.

Priced at $1,695, the Brembo brake package includes a set of 14-inch front discs with four-piston calipers, rear 11.8-inch discs with four-piston calipers, special 19-inch wheels, summer performance tires, and unique tuning for the suspension, stability control and steering.

Part of the reason for the high take rate might be that choosing the option is actually much cheaper than buying the same parts in the aftermarket. The 14-inch brake kit in the Ford Racing parts catalog will run you $1,489, which doesn't include the rear brake upgrade, and you still have to buy new wheels and tires. For aftermarket-obsessed Mustang owners, checking the option box to get it straight from the factory just makes more sense.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Ford Mustang GT

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

[Source: Automobile Magazine]

Take rate on Brembo package for 2011 Ford Mustang higher than expected originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 six-speed reveals its true character

Michael Harley — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Dodge, New Car Reviews

2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 6-Speed - Click above for high-res image gallery

This isn't our first sampling of the reborn Dodge Challenger. We've driven the SE, R/T and SRT8 variants before. However, this time it's different. We've secured a Challenger SRT-8 with a six-speed manual transmission - and it's a whole different breed of bull.

The six-speed-equipped Dodge Challenger SRT8 drives exactly as it looks. Unlike the countless poseurs promising handling with oversize tires, performance with monstrous exhaust pipes, or luxury with overstuffed cabins, the Challenger SRT8 delivers only what its exterior suggests - a mountain of machismo-infused muscle-car entertainment.

We had a week with Dodge's tribute to testosterone, and it's one we won't soon forget. Contrary to its automatic-equipped siblings, the manual gearbox transforms the SRT8 from merely entertaining to positively supernatural. Make the jump to find out why this husky red coupe had us shaving twice daily.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 6-Speed

Continue reading Review: 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 six-speed reveals its true character

Review: 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 six-speed reveals its true character originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Brembo aims to mass produce carbon-ceramic brakes with new joint venture

Noah Joseph — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 18:32:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

New technologies always cost the early adopters big bucks. But higher demand leads to increased supply, and costs eventually go down to the level accessibly by the common man. So while carbon-ceramic brakes might be a big ticket item right now - often dipping into five figures as optional equipment on European exotica - Brembo has formed a new joint venture with carbon-fiber supplier SGL Group with the specific goal of mass-producing the brake technology for widespread application.

Carbon-ceramic brakes offer several major benefits over cast-iron discs -- specifically light weight and the ability to dissipate heat quickly, preventing fade -- with few drawbacks. The only downside is that the extant manufacturing process is labor-intensive, driving the cost up, which is why they're currently only available on high-end exotic supercars. Brembo SGL Carbon Ceramic Brakes, however, which just began operations at its Milan headquarters on the first of this month, aims to streamline the production of the rotors so that they can be implemented across the industry. (That's a good thing.) Scope out the press release below the fold for more details.

Continue reading Brembo aims to mass produce carbon-ceramic brakes with new joint venture

Brembo aims to mass produce carbon-ceramic brakes with new joint venture originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Stop Time: Mecchanice Veloce and Brembo team up for carbon-ceramic watch

Noah Joseph — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 06:58:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Etc., Technology

Aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, vulcanized rubber...it was only a matter of time before somebody made a watch out of carbon ceramic. And who better to do it than Brembo and Meccaniche Veloci? The former you'll know well as the most recognized name in brakes. The latter may be known to some of you as the Italian watchmaker that designed the Quattro Valvole timepiece, named and styled after the four-valve cylinder head and incorporating four individual automatic Swiss watch movements. Now the two have come together to produce a special edition Quattro Valvole Carbon Ceramico (CCM), unveiled at the 2009 Baselworld watch show, that could be the ultimate car watch even among a rapidly expanding sub-segment.

The carbon-ceramic watch case is made by Brembo using the same process as it uses for producing racing brake discs. Short fibers of carbon are combined with high-strength ceramics and formed using high-pressure water jets. The result is incredibly strong yet lightweight construction that is also highly resistant to corrosion or deformation. Like Brembo's brake calipers, buyers can choose between different color combinations of red, black, yellow or silver, and the watch comes with interchangeable straps in rubber and alligator leather. As well it should, at $15,000 apiece...another element this unique timepiece shares in common with a set of carbon ceramic brakes.

[Source: Meccaniche Veloci via Gizmag]

Stop Time: Mecchanice Veloce and Brembo team up for carbon-ceramic watch originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 06:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Braking News: Brembo to temporarily lay off 1,800

Dan Roth — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 17:33:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Plants/Manufacturing

With fewer cars being produced and sold, automotive suppliers face the same challenges as automakers. Italy's Brembo, producer of some of the most delectable braking hardware, will be laying off more than 1,800 workers to cope with a fourth quarter loss. The cuts will more closely align Brembo's production with newly decreased demand, and will affect workers at Brembo's locations in Italy, Mexico, and Poland. There is a government/industry fund that Brembo wishes to tap to help pay for the layoffs, though the cuts may be for a longer term than "temporary" implies. Brembo's orders have fallen drastically, and signs of recovery have yet to materialize.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Braking News: Brembo to temporarily lay off 1,800 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Feb 2009 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe to start at $22,000

Chris Paukert — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 12:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Chicago Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Hyundai

***UPDATE - Live photo gallery of the production Genesis Coupe added***

Click to view a high-resolution gallery of the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

We've known rough performance numbers on the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe for some time now: 0-60 in under six seconds, up to 30 mpg with the 2.0T, and so on. But one set of key numbers has eluded us until now: price. Hyundai's rear-drive performance hopeful will weigh in at $22,000 for the base 210-hp 2.0L turbo model, and the 306-hp 3.8L V6 will start at $25,000.

Despite being the price leader, the 2.0T still piles on a lot of kit including a six-speed manual transmission, a full compliment of brake-related electronics (ABS, traction control, brake force distribution, and brake assist) and 18-inch alloys wrapped in Bridgestone Potenzas. Standard creature comforts include keyless entry, cruise control, air conditioning, leather wrapped wheel and shifter, a six-speaker AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 player with USB port and steering wheel audio controls, and Bluetooth.

Tuner types and gearheads will probably be most interested in the newly announced mid-priced 2.0T R-Spec model ($23,750). Hyundai has chosen not to make the R-Spec a stripped-out lightweight performance model. As such, the model still includes things like the aforementioned six-speaker stereo, air-conditioning and remote keyless entry, but the 137-mph coupe also gets Hyundai's full compliment of performance hardware, including uprated Brembo brakes, stiffened suspension, a Torsen limited-slip differential, and 19-inch gunmetal alloys wrapped with summer tires.

Follow the jump for more including details on the 3.8L V6 model, Hyundai's official press release and a full model-by-model pricing matrix.

Gallery: Chicago 2009: Production Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Gallery: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Continue reading 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe to start at $22,000

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe to start at $22,000 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pirelli working with Brembo and Magneti Marelli on Cyber Tire

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Technology

Pirelli's Cyber Tire will provide real-time tire performance information via a chip/transponder setup in the tire tread. Operating temperature and pressures, typology of the road's surface, and vertical load exerted on the tire will be among the data collected and monitored. The system will work in conjunction with another Pirelli invention, the Cyber Wheel, which will convey wheel information such as hub loads in the same way.

Now that the tire company has partnered with Brembo and Magnetti Marelli on the Cyber Tire, the tie-up could mean a system that quickly transfers information from the tire to the driver, car, and brakes, allowing for more informed and instantaneous performance changes based on driving conditions.

[Source: Pirelli]

Pirelli working with Brembo and Magneti Marelli on Cyber Tire originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 Feb 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pininfarina confirms Ferrari, Brembo and Sabelt as new shareholders

Noah Joseph — Fri, 02 May 2008 07:28:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Earnings/Financials, Ferrari

Click for more images of the Pininfarina Sintesi

Pininfarina has confirmed the three new shareholders who will take stake in the company as part of its 100 million euro capital increase. As we reported previously, Piero Ferrari, son of the late Enzo Ferrari and vice-chairman of the eponymous Maranello sportscar firm, and Alberto Bombassei, chairman of the Brembo brakes company, will take shares, in addition to the Marsiaj family at the helm of Italian seatbelt manufacturer Sabelt.

The increased capital will finance the development and production of the upscale electric minicar Pininfarina will produce together with French industrial group Bollore and Indian automaker Tata. The car is expected to begin production in 2010 with 2000 units, ramping up to a full capacity of 15,000 units by 2012 with sales in the United States, Europe and Japan. Although the size of each new shareholder's stake has yet to be confirmed, the shares will come out of the Pininfarina family's 55% ownership.

[Source: Automotive News Europe - Sub. Req.]

Pininfarina confirms Ferrari, Brembo and Sabelt as new shareholders originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 May 2008 07:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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All Ferraris to get carbon ceramic brakes starting in 2008

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 15:57:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Supercars, Misc. Auto Shows, Ferrari

When you build a car with as much velocity potential as a Ferrari, the ability to dissipate kinetic energy is just as important as the ability to accumulate it. Brakes work by transforming kinetic energy into heat energy, at least some of which is absorbed by the rotors and pads. As the temperature of the brakes increases they lose effectiveness. Engineers developed carbon ceramic brakes, originally implemented on race cars, and offer tremendous stopping power with much improved fade resistance.

Carbon brakes have been available as an option on many models from Porsche, Lamborghini and Ferrari for several years and were even standard on the likes of the Enzo. Now Ferrari is set to be the first manufacturer to make carbon brakes standard equipment across their lineup. At the Bologna Show, Ferrari General Manager Amedeo Felisa announced that starting in 2008, all the cars wearing the Prancing Horse would come out of the factory with carbon ceramic brakes supplied by Brembo.

[Source: CarScoop]

Continue reading All Ferraris to get carbon ceramic brakes starting in 2008

All Ferraris to get carbon ceramic brakes starting in 2008 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Dec 2007 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Brembo supplying brakes to BMW

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 15:43:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Plants/Manufacturing, BMW

It seems that BMW wants to join the Brembo club, so in an all-too-brief blurb, Reuters is reporting that the Bavarians will begin to equip their vehicles with Italy's famed stoppers. There's no indication about what particular models will be graced with Brembo setups, but in keeping with tradition, expect to find the telltale red calipers behind the wheels of BMW's M-modified models. We can't help but find it coincidental that this news comes mere days after Brembo bought Hayes Lemmerz's North American brake-components division. Apparently the price may officially be right.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Brembo supplying brakes to BMW originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Nov 2007 15:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Brembo buys up Hayes Lemmerz's North American brake facilities

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Motorsports, Etc.

Consolidation of aftermarket brake manufacturers seems to be all the rage recently, with Centric consuming both PowerSlot and Stoptech, and now, Brembo has bought out all of Hayes Lemmerz's North American brake-components division. The Italian parts manufacturer dolled out a cool $58 million for both the Homer, Michigan and Apodaca, Mexico facilities, and in the process acquired the company's 250 employees. We're hoping that the deal bodes well for those of us looking to upgrade our current stoppers with beefy, red Brembo calipers.

The full press release is posted after the jump.

Continue reading Brembo buys up Hayes Lemmerz's North American brake facilities

Brembo buys up Hayes Lemmerz's North American brake facilities originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Nov 2007 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Brembo lands Lexus IS-F brake deal

John Neff — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Lexus, Toyota

click above image for high-res pics of the Lexus IS-F

When the Lexus IS-F debuted at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show, it was wearing a set of black painted calipers branded with the Lexus name. When the car officially goes on sale in the second quarter of 2008, it will be wearing a set of gold painted Brembos. Toyota has officially cut a deal with big name brake manufacturer Brembo to supply the stopping power for its high-performance IS-F sedan. It's the first time Toyota and Brembo have partnered, which makes sense considering the only car from Toyota that could go fast enough to require big-name braking power was probably the last generation Supra.

Of course, having your car wear Brembos isn't just about achieving excellent stopping distances, it's also about getting the Brembo name on your calipers, which carries a lot of weight with performance-minded consumers. With this deal, Toyota will be infusing the Lexus IS-F with some instanst cachet right out of the gate, though there are plenty of other areas in which the car will need to perform well to earn its stripes.

[Source: just-auto, sub. req'd]

Gallery: Lexus IS-F

Brembo lands Lexus IS-F brake deal originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Apr 2007 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Enter the (pricing) rumormill: Nissan GT-R trim level and prices

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 07:26:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Supercars, Nissan

So, AutoExpress releases information today that says that the new GT-R will come in at £29,000... in Japan. We're not sure how that's going to equate in U.S. dollars (or yen, for that matter), but what was even more interesting was that they divulged the varying levels of trim that will be offered when the GT-R goes on sale next year.

The "entry-level" version will come equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox, four piston Brembos and the aforementioned £29,000 price tag. The next step up would be the £35,000 V-spec version, that gets a seven-speed DSG and six-piston stoppers, while the top o' the line Evolution package will get everything included in the V-spec, but will also come with lots of carbon fiber pieces to reduce weight. The GT-R Evolution will likely be priced over £50,000.

Again, we have no idea where these figures and trim levels came from, as AutoExpress only says that "sources" provided in the information. Whatev, we're still salivating.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Enter the (pricing) rumormill: Nissan GT-R trim level and prices originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Mar 2007 07:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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