Autoblog

REPORT: Subaru spokesman concerned that RWD Toyobaru could dilute brand identity

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 19:26:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Japan, Subaru, Toyota

Subaru Sports Coupe Renderings - Click above for high-res image gallery

It should come as no surprised that Subaru -- a brand that's made its name in the States for offering rugged, all-wheel drive vehicles -- is a little wary about bringing its own version of the RWD Toyobaru to the U.S.

Speaking with Wards Auto, Subaru spokesperson Michael McHale said, "We're an all-wheel drive brand," going on to say that, "If it doesn't affect the core of the brand, maybe we'd bring it in as an interesting option."

Although we've yet to seen the Subaru variant of the Toyota FT-86, the rebodied version is expected to debut sometime in 2010, with both examples going on sale in Japan later next year or in early 2011. Power is supposedly supplied by Subaru-sourced, Toyota-tweaked flat-four, putting out around 200 horsepower in naturally aspirated guise.

For Toyota to make a business case for putting the FT-86 into production, it's been all but assumed that the RWD coupe would go on sale in markets outside of Japan -- specifically in Europe and North America. However, the Subaru version's fate isn't quite as clear. If earlier reports are any indication, offering an AWD coupe could be a possibility given the coupe's underpinnings. But if it's strictly RWD, McHale hopes consumers can, "forgive us a one-off exception."

Gallery: Subaru FT-86 Sports Coupe renderings

[Source: Wards Auto]

REPORT: Subaru spokesman concerned that RWD Toyobaru could dilute brand identity originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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(More) Pics Aplenty: VW plays up Scirocco R with new pics, details

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Volkswagen, UK

2010 VW Scirocco R -- Click above for high-res image gallery

The Volkswagen Scirocco R was recently introduced to the European motoring press, and all of its details have been delivered unto the people. The 2.0-liter, 265-horsepower front-wheel-drive hot hatch comes in two versions: six-speed manual and six-speed DSG, either of which will get you to 60 mph in six seconds or less.

The R is loaded with tech and mods: XDS electronic transverse differential lock to combat understeer, Dynamic Chassis Control for variable damping, Anti-Slip Regulation, and massive 17-inch brakes among other features. If that makes you want to see what one can do in the corners, VW's already found out: two slightly more powerful Sciroccos won the 2.0-liter turbo class at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring earlier this year.

There's an exhaustive press release after the jump that will tell you all about it, and a high-res gallery of photos below if you like your stories in pictures.

Gallery: 2010 Volkswagen Scirocco R

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading (More) Pics Aplenty: VW plays up Scirocco R with new pics, details

(More) Pics Aplenty: VW plays up Scirocco R with new pics, details originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2009: Cadillac CTS Coupe vogues, dazzles

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:24:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Cadillac, Luxury

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

Cadillac invited us down to a dance hall south of downtown Los Angeles and the convention center for a little lunch and a lot of talk concerning their new CTS Coupe. In fact, they brought a CTS Coupe along with 'em. A production CTS Coupe we should point out. The exact same car you'll be able to purchase from Cadillac in just a few short months (most likely May 2010 as a 2011 model).

First thing is first and WOW - what a fabulously stunning automobile. Those of you in the LA area owe it to yourself to schlep down to the Staples Center just to see this here Caddy Coupe live in the flesh. Yes, it is another in a long lined-trend of modern vehicle that looks ten times better in person than in photos. For reals, this Caddy Coupe is a knockout. Make the jump to continue reading.

Gallery: Live: 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe

Gallery: 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe

Continue reading LA 2009: Cadillac CTS Coupe vogues, dazzles

LA 2009: Cadillac CTS Coupe vogues, dazzles originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Essen 2009: AC Schnitzer gives BMW 123d the police package treatment [w/VIDEO]

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 19:31:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, Coupe, Europe, BMW, Misc. Auto Shows, Police/Emergency, Design/Style, Diesel

AC Schnitzer BMW 123d Tune It Safe! police concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

High performance vehicles like Porsche 911s being used for pursuit duty on Germany's autobahn is nothing new. As such, in order order to grab the attention of Essen Motor Show attendees, the Tune It Safe! program's annual police-liveried show car needs to go a step further. Past efforts have included rides such as a police-liveried Brabus Rocket and a TechArt-prepared Porsche 911. This year, AC Schnitzer got the call and it has unwrapped (or perhaps wrapped is the better term, given the side graphics) a police car concept based on the BMW 123d coupe.

Naturally, Schnitzer couldn't leave the stock, 40 mpg 204-horsepower twin-turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel alone, and so it has boosted the show car's engine to 241 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. They've also applied an array of their appearance upgrades including a front splitter, rear spoiler, and a bigger wheel/tire package. The body has been dropped 30 millimeters, which should help compensate a bit for the extra drag of the light bar on the roof. Inside, racing seats and carbon fiber trim are accompanied by a cover for the iDrive knob that matches the wheel design.

We'll pass on the light bar and the graphics, but take the rest of the car, please. Not sure about it yourself? Take a look at the high-res gallery below and a video available after the jump.

Gallery: AC Schnitzer BMW 123d police package

[Source: AC Schnitzer]

Continue reading Essen 2009: AC Schnitzer gives BMW 123d the police package treatment [w/VIDEO]

Essen 2009: AC Schnitzer gives BMW 123d the police package treatment [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Nov 2009 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: C/D says Lutz confirms Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:49:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Wagon, Cadillac, GM, Rumormill, Luxury

Between the Buick Regal GS, front-wheel drive (and possible hybrid) Chevrolet Impala and the rumored Caprice SS, Bob Lutz has managed to release a scad officially unofficial details on General Motors' future product plans over the last two days. And now comes this.

Speaking with Car and Driver, Maximum Bob went into Maximum Bloviation mode when discussing the Buick Regal wagon, and then ostensibly confirmed that the Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon has been given the green light by saying, "You'll be able to get the CTS-V any way you want." Meaning: the CTS-V will be available in both coupe and five-door variants.

Naturally, anything that jumps out of Lutz' mouth should be taken with an extra helping of NaCl, as his past off-hand announcements haven't always come to fruition. Regardless, creating the duo of CTS-Vs is damn easy and we're hoping to see both in production form next year.

[Source: Car and Driver]

REPORT: C/D says Lutz confirms Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG priced for Europe, now taking orders

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

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

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG now has an order form and a price. While it's not cheap, it's nowhere near the most expensive car in the range: for €177,310 ($265,531 U.S. - note: that is a straight conversion, not an indication of the car's U.S. cost), you can put one of the gullwinged wonders in your - probably climate-controlled - garage.

That fits well in between the prices for the SL63 AMG at €148,155 and the SL65 AMG at a blistering €224,672. You get four more cylinders, 40 more hp and a folding hartop on the SL65; yet the SLS gets you gullwing doors, retro styling and €47,000 left over in your pocket. And you're still cooler than the folks in a Mercedes-McLaren SLR, who spent €450,000 when it was new.

What the SLS AMG purchase price won't get you is expedited delivery: the car still won't arrive until Spring of 2010. If you're one of those who needs to keep up, some gent named Matthew K. has been designated "the SLS AMG reporter" and he'll be posting all manner of info and clips online. You can read about it in the press release after the jump, check the car out again in the gallery of high-res photos below, or call your Luxembourger account manager in three, two, one...

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Photos copyright (C)2009 Chris Paukert / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG priced for Europe, now taking orders

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG priced for Europe, now taking orders originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: First longer-wheelbase Ferrari 612 Scaglietti replacement spotted

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 12:14:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Ferrari, Luxury

Ferrari 612 replacement test mule - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ferrari is reportedly currently working on the three V12 cars that will replace its comparable current offerings: the 612 Scaglietti, 599 GTB, and Enzo. The 612's follow-on will be the first one to arrive, likely in early 2012, and another mule has been spotted out and about. It still sports the hood scoop (bigger engine with more power, anyone?) and California-style stacked tailpipes, and it looks like it might have a longer wheelbase to boot.

Rumor has it that the new direct-injected V12 will be 40 percent less polluting and get 40 percent better gas mileage than the 5.7-liter V12 presently in use, even as it's expected to get a slight 7-horsepower bump to 540. The fuel economy increase would provide a very respectable 16 MPG - not bad for a car that ought to hustle to 60 MPH in about 4.5 seconds. Check out a host of new spy photos in our gallery below. In case you're curious, the sticker on the steering wheel boss which reads "Betrieb nur mit geschlossener Motorhaube" is an instruction telling drivers that the engine should only be started with the hood closed.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Ferrari 612 Scaglietti replacement mule

[Image: CarPix]

Spy Shots: First longer-wheelbase Ferrari 612 Scaglietti replacement spotted originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 12:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: BMW 3 Series coupe and convertible get mild rhinoplasty

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Coupe, BMW, Luxury

The 3 Series coupe and convertible have had a little surgery done and been caught post-op. The actual changes aren't monumental, but up front appear to have quite an effect on the looks. We'll wait to see the uncovered version without the tape over the headlights before final judgments are issued, but from the three-quarter view the increased sweep, the changes to the kidney grille, and the drawn headlights makes the front look a little -- forgive us for saying -- vintage Grand Am.

In back the car gets revised taillights and a bumper massage. Inside expect slightly upgraded ergonomics and iDrive. The sedan and touring are rumored to get this look as well, and should appear next year.

[Source: Carscoop]

Spy Shots: BMW 3 Series coupe and convertible get mild rhinoplasty originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: This is Not Batmobile - It's the Spada Codatronca!

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Luxury

Spada Codatronca promotional material -- Click above to watch the video after the break

The Spada is coming! The Spada is coming! Along with this promotional video put together to get you ready for it. A combination of The Dark Knight, Speed Racer, and The Car, the Codatronca's still an oddball looker, but with that Z06 running gear underneath it should at least be fun to drive. The vid was directed by a Mr. Kobayashi, which makes us think that Keyser Soze must be doing the driving. Follow the jump to watch the vid.

Gallery: SpadaConcept Codatronca

[Source: Vimeo]

Continue reading VIDEO: This is Not Batmobile - It's the Spada Codatronca!

VIDEO: This is Not Batmobile - It's the Spada Codatronca! originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Toyota FT-86 runs the 'Ring, sounds awesome

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Tokyo Motor Show, Subaru, Toyota

Toyota FT-86 at the Nürburgring - Click above to watch video

In a video that should be titled "Things You Can't Do in a Corolla," the FT-86 has been caught in motion and sound at the Nürburgring in Germany. Of course, the pictures posted last week gave no indication of how it ran, but we can tell you - and so can the video - that it is, as they say in the business, "Hot."

We know what the Toyota concept looks like, but we're not exactly sure which version we see on the 'Ring in the video. It could be the FT-86 from Toyota or Subaru's version. However, if Toyota's version goes like the car in the video, when it finally does arrive, Toyota will truly be able to say it is back in the business of fun. At least a little. Follow the jump to see the vid. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

[Source: FT86 Club]

Continue reading VIDEO: Toyota FT-86 runs the 'Ring, sounds awesome

VIDEO: Toyota FT-86 runs the 'Ring, sounds awesome originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Renault Mégane Renaultsport 250 drops on unsuspecting Brits

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Renault

Mégane Renaultsport 250 -- Click above for high-res image gallery

We're not really fans of yellow cars, but every once in a while we come upon a butter-colored coupe and think, "Oh, that's not bad..." The Mégane Renaultsport 250 is just one of those cars, and makes us say again - in case we haven't said it enough - why can't we Americans have one of these?

The next evolution in the Mégane Renaultsport line, the 250 has been relentlessly fettled to provide a driver with more thrills. It comes in two versions: a race-ified Cup model, and regular. The former gets just about all the mod-cons as well as the Cup Suspension Pack with a limited slip differential, stiffer springs, dampers and anti-roll bar, grooved discs, red Brembo calipers, and Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires on 18-inch wheels.

If you must have everything, don't check the "Cup" box and you'll get heated leather seats, electrically adjustable driver's seat, Renault Hands Free card, dual-zone climate control, auto lights and wipers, and 18-inch wheels on Dunlop Sport Maxx TT tires, among other things. Best of all, you can get the Cup suspension with this model if you so choose.

Both cars get 250 hp and 250 lb-ft. The Cup runs £21,995 ($35,968 U.S.) on-the-road, the non-Cup goes for £22,995 ($37,604 U.S.). The Zola-length press release after the jump will tell you everything you want to know, or you can just check it out in the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: M�gane Renaultsport 250

[Source: Renault]

Continue reading Renault Mégane Renaultsport 250 drops on unsuspecting Brits

Renault Mégane Renaultsport 250 drops on unsuspecting Brits originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Dutch auto journo says Lexus LF-A is the best car he's ever driven

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:26:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Lexus, Luxury

Dutch auto journo Thomas Bangma giving his opinion on the Lexus LF-A -- Click above to view the video after the jump

The man you see above is Thomas Bangma. Described as a Dutch automotive journalist, and noted on his LinkedIn page as an "Independent Automotive Professional," we can't find much dirt on him -- but if he's getting invited to press events for the Lexus LF-A, he must know a bit about something.

During that aforementioned event, Mr. Bangma gave his opinion on Lexus' glacially developing supercar, and he adds no sugar to the medicine: "The car is the best car I have ever driven in my whole life as an automotive journalist." Well then. What we can definitely say is that as it flies by behind him, it sounds positively murderous. In a good way. Follow the jump for the rest of Bangma's thoughts.

Gallery: 2009 Lexus LF-A race car

[Source: YouTube via Cars UK]

Continue reading VIDEO: Dutch auto journo says Lexus LF-A is the best car he's ever driven

VIDEO: Dutch auto journo says Lexus LF-A is the best car he's ever driven originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Subaru's 250-hp FT-86 coupe in STI trim

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:27:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Subaru, Rumormill

Despite dropping all the information about its Tokyo-bound concepts, Subaru hasn't hinted at when we'll be seeing its version of the Toyota FT-86 coupe. Thankfully, Japan's Holiday Auto has stepped up to the plate to throw more fuel onto the fire with a subtly modified sketch of the FT-86 and some possible powertrain information of Subaru's first rear-wheel drive coupe.

According to the report (and a heaping helping of common sense), the Japanese rumormongers expect the STI version of the coupe to debut at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show (after the standard model is revealed next year), complete with Subaru's 250-hp EJ25 2.5-liter boxer. Similar to the dual-injected, 200-hp EJ20 fitted to its Toyota brethren, the engine will remain naturally aspirated, but a turbocharged version hasn't been ruled out.

In addition to a wider track and upgraded tires, wheels and brakes, expect the STI version to don a gaping front fascia and a sizeable rear wing, similar to the camo-covered mule we saw in the latest round of spy shots. If Subaru wants to compete with the rest of the high-horsepower sports cars in the U.S. and Japan, it better get cracking, because competition is fierce, and the only way it can compete is to keep the price down and the weight in check.

Gallery: Toyota FT-86 Concept

[Source: Holiday Auto via 7Tune]

Rendered Speculation: Subaru's 250-hp FT-86 coupe in STI trim originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Quick Spin: Superformance GT40 MkI is vehicular sashimi, raw and delicious

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, First Drive, Specialty, Quick Spin

Superformance GT40 MkI - Click above for high-res image gallery

As much as we enjoy piloting modern machinery, there's something special about vintage vehicles, and that something is the pure, unvarnished connection between man and machine. But it's not always good. Things get dicey when the driving experience is a little too vintage. Despite our supreme adoration of the racing greats of yesteryear, clawing at the wheel, pulverizing the brake pedal, dumping buckets of sweat onto the leather seat and having our sphincter perform kegels isn't always our preferred flavor of fun. Some days, we're just not that hardcore. So the vintage vehicles we've come to love most aren't genuinely vintage at all - they're classic bodies wrapped around modern mechanicals. The Rizk RA is a prime example, and now there's this: the Superformance GT40 MkI, a car so raw that if it were edible, they'd slap "organic" on it and sell it at Whole Foods.

Gallery: Quick Spin: Superformance GT40 Mk1

Continue reading Quick Spin: Superformance GT40 MkI is vehicular sashimi, raw and delicious

Quick Spin: Superformance GT40 MkI is vehicular sashimi, raw and delicious originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS demands to be loved

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, Reviews

2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro has taken so long to get to here we wouldn't be surprised if Caravaggio did the original sketches. We wanted the car when we first saw it back in 6 B.C. We drove prototypes sometime around the Norman Conquest. And now it's finally on the streets. It seems like a mighty long time, but a Camaro SS finally found its way into our hands and it was like being delivered a mail-order bride we'd been corresponding with for ages, begging, "Please, just get here." But how long would our honeymoon last? Or would there be one at all? We hit the road to find out.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS

Continue reading Review: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS demands to be loved

Review: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS demands to be loved originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Mitsuoka to offer unique rental cars in Japan, also plans to sell in China

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 11:15:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, China, Japan, Beijing Motor Show

Mitsuoka Orochi - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mitsuoka, the Japanese car company whose mission seems to be hoarding all the ugly in the entire world and using it to design automobiles, will expand into Japan's rental car market and offer its luxury range in China. Japanese drivers will be able to rent the Orochi for ¥25,000 ($279 US) from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., or for three whole days for ¥45,000 ($501 US). They can also sport the Himiko for ¥20,000 ($223 US) for those nine hours, or ¥36,000 ($401 US) for 72 hours.

The sea monster-faced Orochi will also spearhead Mitsuoka's charge into China. The company plans to display the car at next year's Beijing Auto Show, and to open dealerships in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. We know the Chinese have occasionally fascinating taste in car design, but we can't wait to see how they receive the Orochi. Mitsuoka wants to move 35 units in its first year, and as if its looks weren't queer enough, the car is expected to cost 50% more in China than it does in Japan, where it will already set you back ¥9,345,000 ($87,287 USD). Any takers?

Gallery: Mitsuoka Orochi

[Source: Antara News]

REPORT: Mitsuoka to offer unique rental cars in Japan, also plans to sell in China originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 Sep 2009 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: V10-powered E30 M3 vs. V8-powered E92 M3

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 17:28:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Videos, BMW

E30 M3 V10 vs. V8-powered E92 M3 -- Click above to view the video after the jump

Ah, the Swedes, with their eye for tuning and their wide open spaces to run in. A gent named Johan stuck an M-Division S85 V10 in an E30 M3, and the results look nothing short of devastating. No surprise when you add Big Power + Light Car. Stack it up against a current M3 on a runway, and what you have is a cameraman trying to film a black speck in the distance. According to and M5Board forum user the M3 V10 got up to 288 km (179 mph) during the run. Follow the jump to watch the video and see it happen.

[Source: M5Board]

Continue reading VIDEO: V10-powered E30 M3 vs. V8-powered E92 M3

VIDEO: V10-powered E30 M3 vs. V8-powered E92 M3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Next Chevrolet Corvette to resurrect iconic split-window

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, Design/Style

It worked for the Chevrolet Camaro, so why not the Corvette? General Motors' head of global design, Ed Welburn, has reportedly told Inside Line that the C7 'Vette is going to lift the most notorious design cue from the entire line: the split rear window from the 1963 coupe. It will not, however, be the car from Transformers 2, and it will not be mid-engined.

Unlike the Camaro, the C7 doesn't need to make a splash or a styling statement beyond being the new Corvette. On one hand, we can understand that GM wants to make a statement - but why go back to the Sixties to get it? Although we dig it in the 1963 car, the split-window was a gimmick then and it would be a gimmick now, which makes it a bit of an odd move for us. America's sports car already has its adherents, and the C5 and C6 have done well for themselves with original (if evolutionary) designs. On the other hand, if Chevy can make the car hot enough - and a rear-camera helps alleviate visibility concerns) - probably we won't care what kind of glass it has. If a funky rear window treatment can work for Lamborghini's Reventón, there's no reason it can't work for the C7... right?

Gallery: Chicago 2009: Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Concept

[Source: Inside Line | Image: mashleymorgan via CC 2.0]

REPORT: Next Chevrolet Corvette to resurrect iconic split-window originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Want to take the Audi e-tron for a test drive? Grab your Playstation 3

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:32:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Marketing/Advertising, Technology, Audi, Toys/Games, Electric

You might expect a car with four motors and 3,319 lb-ft of torque to take a great deal of electronics and skill with the right foot to drive properly. If so, you got the electronics part right at least: Audi has created a virtual world for its e-tron electric car that will be featured in Playstation Home later this year.

The action takes place in Audi Space, the digital realm that Audi has built inside the Playstation Home online community. The car is featured in the Vertical Run driving game, featuring a track with enough dimensions to impress Speed Racer. The point of the game is to gather enough electrical energy to get the highest top speed, and if you're one of the best, you'll get one of the skyscraper apartments in Audi town.

It will probably be the closest anyone will get to driving an e-tron for years -- if ever -- so if you're an Audi-phile who's been looking for a reason to buy a PS3, here's your card. For the full scoop, check out the press release after the jump, and you can see the car again in the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Audi e-tron concept

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Want to take the Audi e-tron for a test drive? Grab your Playstation 3

Want to take the Audi e-tron for a test drive? Grab your Playstation 3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: New VW Scirocco R and Golf R hit the track

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Videos, Volkswagen

Volkswagen Golf R20 and Scirocco R track-side -- Click above to watch video

In another astronaut-ish commercial, VW has thrown two test drivers in a G-force simulator and on the track in two of its blistering blue R-line cars: the Scirocco R and the Golf R20. It's like the Ferrari video, but with less yellow and red... and less money. We're not quite sure what's happening with the G-Force segments, but we'd like to be driving those track portions ourselves. Follow the jump to check out the video. Hat tip to Mehdi

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: New VW Scirocco R and Golf R hit the track

VIDEO: New VW Scirocco R and Golf R hit the track originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Sep 2009 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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