Autoblog

Hennessey Performance Venom GT rendered, nearly uncovered

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:40:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, MISC

Hennessey Venom GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

After providing us an exclusive glimpse inside the Hennessey Performance workshop, the Texas-based tuner has let more details slip on the development of the Venom GT -- a Lotus Elise-based supercar packing Corvette ZR1 firepower.

Before the production version debuts at the Geneva Motor Show this March, Hennessey has released a few renderings, along with more shots from inside the shop and a basic spec sheet, including performance figures and few technical details. The rear-drive, two-seater should tip the scales at 2,395 pounds, with a twin-turbo V8 mounted amidships and dolling out 1,000 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 950 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm. As reported previously, power will be sent through a six-speed manual gearbox with forward progressed scrubbed off by Brembo brakes sized 15 inches in front and 14 inches in the rear. And the performance stats are nothing short of unbelievable. 0-60 mph will be dispatched in 2.2 seconds. 0-100 mph in 4.9 seconds and the 200 mph mark will be had in 14.5 seconds before maxing out at a claimed 262 mph. Judging by the newly released pics, the Venom GT is nearly complete and we expect to see the production version before it's official unveiling in Switzerland.

Gallery: Hennessey Performance Venom GT in the shop

[Source: Hennessey Performance]

Hennessey Performance Venom GT rendered, nearly uncovered originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EXCLUSIVE: First shots of the Hennessey Performance Venom GT

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show

Hennessey Venom GT - Click above for image gallery

Hennessey Performance is on a roll. First we got a Cadillac CTS-V that accelerates so violently it sets off its OnStar system. Then we get a Chevrolet Corvette ZR1-powered pony car that handily won our Best Camaro of SEMA. Now this: The first shots of the Hennessey Venom GT, a lightweight, LS9-powered ICBM aimed directly at the world's hypercar elite.

Originally teased way back in November of 2007, the House That Hennessey Built has been working overtime to create this Lotus Elise-based, mid-engine masterpiece for the Geneva Motor Show this March, and judging by these first shots from the shop, things are looking downright diabolical.

According to Hennessey, the final weight - with fuel, but no driver - should come in under 2,400 pounds, and with the "mildly tweaked" LS9 putting out between 650 and 700 horsepower, that puts the Venom in contention with the Bugatti Veyron for power-to-weight bragging rights. But naturally, Hennessey isn't stopping there. After the bugs are worked out, the supercharger will be dispatched in favor of a duo of turbos, netting output somewhere north of 1,000 hp. 0-60 times? Less than 2.5 seconds. Top speed? An estimated 262 mph.

Putting that grunt to the ground is a Ricardo six-speed manual gearbox - the same transmission the tuning firm used on its 1,000+ hp twin-turbocharged Ford GTs - with carbon fiber Dymag wheels fitted at all four corners, each shod in Michelin PS2 tires. Fifteen-inch carbon ceramic discs with eight piston Brembo calipers are mounted up front, while 14-inch rotors with six piston calipers reside in the rear, and ~~although we haven't gotten confirmation, the shot above suggests the driver sits front and center.~~ Nope, the Venom will be available in traditional left- or right-hand drive, according to Hennessey.

That's all for now, but look for more details to be released in the coming weeks and get an exclusive eyeful in the gallery below.

Gallery: Hennessey Performance Venom GT in the shop

EXCLUSIVE: First shots of the Hennessey Performance Venom GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gran Turismo 5 to ship internationally in late 2009 after all?

Chris Shunk — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 08:30:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Toys/Games

Gran Turismo 5 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Last week, Sony announced that Gran Turismo 5 would launch by March 2010. The folks at Polyphony Digital don't see things that way, though, as company boss Kazunori Yamauchi told reporters at a GT5 event that the game could launch in late 2009. And Yamauchi has apparently mentioned that both U.S. and European street dates won't be far behind the game's Japan launch, but the GT5 founder says that the exact launch date will be determined by marketing. Marketing? How about a soft launch for the hardcore GT5 enthusiasts while the ad geeks figure out how to sell the most advanced version of one of the most popular racing game franchises in history?

In the meantime, our compatriots over at Joystiq have the lowdown on some additional gaming specifics that could be of interest to rabid GT5 fanboys. For starters, there will be over 70 variations of 20 or more locations, and some 950 cars will be on offer. Check out our high-res image gallery and learn more at the link below.

Gallery: Gran Turismo 5

[Source: Joystiq]

Gran Turismo 5 to ship internationally in late 2009 after all? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2009: 2010 BMW 5 Series GT is almost schön in person

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 06:35:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Wagon, Crossover, BMW, Diesel, Luxury

BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo - Click above for high-res image gallery

The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo took a whirl on the plinth and we have to admit it doesn't look the least bit absurd standing in person. We completely forgot to be offended at the fact we're being handed this instead of the perfectly fantastic 5 Series Sport Wagon. At least, until we played around with the dual-action lift gate -- then the word "gimmick" did flit through our cranial region for a moment.

Still, it's not bad, and on the road it looks like it has the potential to get a whole lot better. As the Hesse-novel-length press release after the jump explains, the car will combine the legroom of the 7 Series, head room of the X5, 59.5 cubic feet of storage space, and a base diesel with 245 hp and 43 mpg. Go for gold, and there's a V8 twin turbo with 407 hp and a 5.5-second run to 60. Check it out for yourselves in the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: 2010 BMW 5 Series GT

Continue reading Frankfurt 2009: 2010 BMW 5 Series GT is almost schön in person

Frankfurt 2009: 2010 BMW 5 Series GT is almost schön in person originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 06:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford shows off AV-X10 'Dearborn Doll' Mustang built for EAA Gathering of Eagles

Alex Nunez — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 15:35:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Auctions, Ford

2010 Ford Mustang AV-X10 "Dearborn Doll" one-off - Click above for image gallery

Last year, the Mustang AV8R netted big dollars at the Experimental Aircraft Associaton's Gathering of Eagles charity auction. Building on that success, a factory-produced, one-off, aviation-themed Mustang will once again cross the block at this year's auction, taking place during the EAA AirVenture in OshKosh. The 2010 Mustang AV-X10 sports a star-and-bar-emblazoned glass roof, GT500 19" wheels, a GT500 rear spoiler, and a GT500 lower rear fascia. From there, it's trimmed out in a World War II fighter-inspired paint scheme. Orange trim fore and aft, a white "AV-X10" tail stripe, and "Dearborn Doll" fuselage pinup art set this auction pony apart visually. (There's even orange "propeller tip" trim on the wheel rims between their split-spoke pattern, too.)

You should also know that the AV-X10 is not merely a GT with trick-looking paint. Underhood, the 4.6L V8 has been modified with the Ford Racing Performance Parts 550-horsepower supercharger kit. Enhanced bark comes from an FR500S exhaust, and FRPP's Handling Pack has also been installed to give the AV-X10 extra bite on the tarmac. Inside, the car's got a short-throw shifter, illuminated AV-X10 sill plates, unique aircraft-themed instrumentation, custom bomber-jacket leather, and a special aluminum dash pattern. The power outlet mounted high on the dash has been replaced with an engine start button, too. Want it? Head to Oshkosh, WI next week -- and be sure to bring plenty of money. You'll probably need it. Follow the jump for a "making-of" video about the car.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Mustang AV-X10 "Dearborn Doll"

[Source: MustangBlog.com | Images: Ford]

Continue reading Ford shows off AV-X10 'Dearborn Doll' Mustang built for EAA Gathering of Eagles

Ford shows off AV-X10 'Dearborn Doll' Mustang built for EAA Gathering of Eagles originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 Jul 2009 15:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: GTbyCitroen gets the green light for limited production

Noah Joseph — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Supercars, Citroën, Specialty

GTbyCitroen concept at 2008 Paris auto salon - Click above for high-res image gallery

Less than completely psyched about the launch of the new Citroen C3? Granted, the new compact hatchback may not be the most exciting vehicle ever to come from the quirky French automaker, but don't despair - we've got some more exciting news from the other end of the spectrum as reports surface that Citroen has approved a small run of its fantastical GTbyCitroen supercar for production.

You'll recall the GT as the design which Citroen unveiled together with the creators of the Gran Turismo video game franchise last year in Paris. The closest the concept was ever meant to get to reality was the single show car built and the digitized version which gamers would be able to play on PS3, but earlier this month, we reported that the French automaker was receiving enough interest on the car to consider putting it into very limited production.

As if to whet our appetites, Citroen took the concept on a drive around London last week, and has since confirmed that it will make the climb up the hill at Goodwood this month. But if you're looking for a closer approximation of life-imitating-art-imitating-life, a short run of GTs will reportedly see the light of day. Only six are said to be built, at a reported price of £1.1 million ($1.83 million USD). The jury's still out on what will power the mythical beast - gossip suggests an American V8 sourced from either General Motors or Ford and driving in excess of 500 horsepower through a sequential gearbox - but carbon-fiber construction and exotic interior are said to be part of the final package. We could see a production version at the upcoming Frankfurt show in September, so stay tuned.

Gallery: GTbyCitroen

Gallery: Paris 2008: GTbyCitroen Live

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: GTbyCitroen gets the green light for limited production originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: This is your Aston Martin Rapide

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 17:46:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, Aston Martin

A Car magazine reader has photographed the Aston Martin Rapide looking like it could have come off a dealer lot. The snapper also peeped the inside, which he said has a full-length console a la the Mercedes CLS to create four distinct seating positions. Aston has, however, said that those rear seats are for "children or two adults on shorter journeys." The slinky black number also sports a serious set of pipes out back that we expect to put out a beautiful soundtrack. And thank goodness the car has a hatch like the Vantage, which means -- in a first for current Aston Martins -- it could have a proper trunk. Like the kind you can actually put things in.

[Source: Car]

Spy Shots: This is your Aston Martin Rapide originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 20 Jun 2009 17:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Australia's Joss supercar on its way with dreams of Le Mans in its eyes

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Supercars, Australia

In 67 days, the Joss supercar will be revealed. The brainchild of Matt Thomas, an aerodynamicist with the short-lived Stewart F1 team, the car has been wholly designed and engineered in Australia. The details revealed so far might not make one immediately think "super" status applies since the car has "only" 469 hp and 479 lb-ft. of twist.

But the carbon fiber, mid-engined car with a home-grown 6.8-liter V8 weighs just 2,068 pounds, which means its acceleration runs should be enough to leave the driver singing "Let's Do the Time Warp Again." However, The Motor Report says that the supercar's 0-100 kmh (62 mph) stat is listed at 3.7 seconds. That's only a shade faster than a Porsche 911 Turbo, which weighs 1,400 pounds more and has about the same power numbers. Elsewhere, it's been mentioned that it will do the run in 2.5 and 2.98 seconds, which seems much more likely if all else comes to pass.

As you've doubtlessly already noted, the rear deck is bereft of a spoiler. TMR says that's because a rear venturi will create enough downforce not to need one (and the vortex-generating doors don't hurt), a trait the car shares with the McLaren F1. It also makes room for the top-exiting twin exhaust. And also like the McLaren, Joss is planning to run a version of the car at Le Mans sometime in the future. In two months, we'll begin to see how its chances rate.

[Source: The Motor Report]

REPORT: Australia's Joss supercar on its way with dreams of Le Mans in its eyes originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Schumacher gets down with new Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano HGTE [w/VIDEO]

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Supercars, Ferrari

Click above to watch video of Schumacher talking Ferrari after the jump

When he's not racing superbikes or reliving the good old days, seven-time Formula World Champion Michael Schumacher gets his thrills testing new Ferrari supercars. The Prancing Horse recently had Schumi take a 599 GTB with the company's new Handling GT Evoluzione (HGTE) package around Fiorano with a vengeance, and then they got the man to talk about his hand in developing Ferrari models from the ground up.

Schumacher's flogging of the tauter 599 was part of Pilota Ferrari, which is Ferrari's multi-level driving school program for owners. In a second video after the jump, the German pilot also discusses the importance of driving schools for every day driving. Somehow, we have a feeling that the "on-the-limit" maneuvers he speaks of just aren't the same in a 599 GTB HGTE as they are in the Pontiacs at our local track.

Gallery: Schumacher Tests the Ferrari 599 HGTE

[Source: Ferrari]

Continue reading Schumacher gets down with new Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano HGTE [w/VIDEO]

Schumacher gets down with new Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano HGTE [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The new Audi: more performance, less weight

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 19:27:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Green, Technology, Audi

Audi is developing the groundwork for an entirely new way of building its cars. The future for the four rings is light weight, giving it the proper base to support the best hybrid and electric cars, as well as extract the most from its traditional offerings.

As previously reported, the first example from the test lab is an S5 that is 400 kg -- yes, 880 pounds -- lighter than a traditional S5. Whereas the conventional S5 uses a 354 hp V8, the experimental utilizes a 230 hp four-cylinder, yet laps the 'Ring a humongous eight seconds faster than the V8. The test, of course, is to make such technology cost feasible to consumers and safe to boot.

The reduced calorie S5 is a hybrid steel and aluminum body built over a spaceframe, but Audi didn't say what the spaceframe was composed of. One hopes that they haven't started off with something unobtanium, and that given time, VW group scale could keep the price within a single-digit percent of the current car. If Audi does manage to get the light weight, safety, and affordability equation correct, that could make them... Lotus.

[Source: Autocar]

The new Audi: more performance, less weight originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: BMW plans assault on the premium entry-level segment with X and Y models

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Crossover, BMW, Rumormill

BMW's equivalent of Deep Throat has divulged a host of information on the marque's coming plans for its premium entry level range incorporating the 1-Series and Z2, and a new line of Y vehicles. According to the mole, Scott26, the 1 will break into three different levels: Traditional, Lifestyle, and Sporting. They will be underpinned by a modular platform that could be differentiated among models and also serve as the basis for the next MINI.

The Traditional line will include the 1-Series along with Active Hybrid and Sport Compact versions. Sporting will comprise the 1-Series and Z2 coupe and cabriolet, plus a Supersports version of the 1 and a 135i Lightweight Performance Concept. Lifestyle counts the 1-Series Gran Turismo, the X1, X2, and the Y1.

As Scott27 breaks it down, the full lineup will advance the capabilities of Efficient Dynamics, and a hybrid version of each car will be offered. As well, the cars will "resist the usual jump in weight by using lightweight materials and sophisticated bonding techniques." What would be weighty at that point is the number of BMW's offerings, with 12 cars alone mentioned here, not counting the hatch models.

And what is the Y1? Strictly a proposal at this point, the line would be for those who want more "identity and creativity" in their Sports Activity Vehicles. A "dynamic , lighter and more personal" SAV than the X6, the Y1 is laid out as a 2-door, 2-seat "hybrid of an X with the aura of a Z." Think of a de-Bangled X Coupe. Thanks for the tip, Andrew!

[Source: 1 Addicts]

Rumormill: BMW plans assault on the premium entry-level segment with X and Y models originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: GT5 trailer released, Gran Turismo for PSP coming this October

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Toys/Games

Gran Turismo 5 - Click above for new high-res image gallery or watch HD trailer after the jump

That screen cap you see above? That's the first evidence that Gran Turismo 5 will finally have damage rendering. The image is courtesy of the new GT5 trailer (posted after the break) Polyphony Digital released today at the E3 gaming expo. Other bits to note: fully-licensed NASCAR and WRC racing have been added for the first time, and, in typical Gran Turismo fashion, PD hasn't released a firm date for the game's release.

However, even more compelling than GT5's imminent arrival is what joined the release of the PSP Go (right), a lighter, more compact version of Sony's Playstation Portable (priced at $249.99). When the new 16-gig PSP arrives on October 1, you'll be able to download the first portable version of Gran Turismo - aptly named Gran Turismo Mobile - to the device. According to Kazunori Yamauchi, the man behind the GT series, this won't be a stripped-down version of the game. It boasts 60 frames-per-second rendering, 800 cars, 35 tracks, career and arcades modes, and the ability to play against three friends over the PSP Go's wifi connection. We haven't been able to find out if Gran Turismo Mobile will work on the current PSP platform, but we might be willing to shell out the coin if it means we can practice running the Nurburgring on our next flight to Germany.

Make the jump to view the full GT5 and PSP Go trailers, and check the galleries below for plenty of brand new high-res screen shots.

Gallery: Gran Turismo 5

Gallery: Gran Turismo PSP

[Source: GTPlanet]

Continue reading VIDEO: GT5 trailer released, Gran Turismo for PSP coming this October

VIDEO: GT5 trailer released, Gran Turismo for PSP coming this October originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Next Tesla Roadster aims at 911 Turbo with AWD and usable space

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Green

Tesla Roadster - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Electric drivetrain aside, the Tesla Roadster isn't the most practical sports car on the market. Like its Lotus counterpart, the Roadster is lacking space for both passengers and parcel, something Tesla CEO Elon Musk is all-too-happy to admit. But as you'd expect from the plucky upstart and its confident chief executive, Tesla has big plans to expand beyond the Roadster and Model S sedan, and it's got the Porsche 911 in its sights.

Although we've known for some time that Tesla plans to base future models on the Model S platform - ranging from a base model to a full-fledged GT - the automaker's been tight-lipped about the specifics of future sports cars. However, Musk let it slip during an interview that a 911 Turbo shares a space in his garage with a Roadster, and he loves its ability to schlep the kiddies to school in its diminutive back seats. Inspired, Musk said that the next Tesla sports car would be a 2+2, boasting 10% more room for rear-seat passengers and 50% more trunk space than the 911, along with all-wheel drive. Additionally, the Model S' flat architecture means that styling won't be completely influenced by the drivetrain, allowing for "greater functionality with avant garde, aggressive" styling. Although this new coupe's future is largely dependent on the success of the Model S, if Tesla can keep the lights on and continue R&D, we might see the GT as early as 2012 or 2013.

Gallery: Jason Calacanis' Tesla Roadster

[Source: WebRidesTV]

REPORT: Next Tesla Roadster aims at 911 Turbo with AWD and usable space originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: PSA to decide on GTbyCitroen production within four weeks

Noah Joseph — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Supercars, Citroën, Specialty

GTbyCitroen - Click above for a high-res image gallery

When Citroen collaborated with the people behind Sony Playstation's hit Gran Turismo game franchise on the show-stopping - if clumsily named - GTbyCitroen for last year's Paris Motor Show, few thought it would see the light of day. That includes the French automaker itself, but as we reported back in March, demand has picked up enough to prompt Citroen to consider the GT's creation. The latest reports indicate that the Chevron-labeled automaker will have its answer ready, one way or another, within a month's time.

The indication of Citroen's deliberation reportedly comes straight from the mouth of the company's product guru Vincent Besson (think Bob Lutz with a beret and a dangling Gauloise). Apparently Citroen has received a number of prospective orders from potential buyers who'd like to see the supercar drive off their plasmas and into their garages. If the PSA subsidiary does indeed decide to built the GT, it will be in extremely limited numbers and at a price high enough to cover the costs -- 15 examples at a million euros apiece is where it's tipped to be at. Powertrain is another issue altogether, as the concept's conceptual hydrogen electric drivetrain would likely be replaced by a more conventional V8 sourced from Detroit. French style and American muscle? Sounds like a winning combination. We'll just have to wait four weeks to find out if it will come to fruition.

Gallery: Paris 2008: GTbyCitroen Live

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: PSA to decide on GTbyCitroen production within four weeks originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Bentley Continental Supersports spotted near 'Ring

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 13 May 2009 18:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Bentley

Watch out. A blacked-out Bentley Continental Supersports has been spotted pointing its grille at the Nürburgring. In an era when Cobalts and Clios are flogged around the 13-mile loop, it comes as a mild surprise that nobody has timed and tested the Bentley Continental on that particular tarmac. With its E85-capable W12 engine rated at 621 hp and a curb weight 300 lbs lighter than the standard GT, the Supersports could push the coupe's balance that much further to the sport side than the GT side. If Bentley does run it in anger, we look forward to finding out how Crewe's first green effort handles The Green Hell.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Spy Shots: Bentley Continental Supersports spotted near 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 May 2009 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Re-Spec Yourself: Porsche Panamera configurator appears

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Porsche

The 2009 Porsche Panamera - Click above for a high-res gallery

With the launch of the Porsche Panamera configurator, you can finally build the sedan from Stuttgart to your own specs. Starting with an untouched 500 hp, $132,600 Turbo model that scoots to sixty in just four seconds, we came up with the $181,170 Mahogany Metallic example above. Even though we left a great many options unchecked and some imaginary money in our imaginary wallet, we're sure it will still perform impressively. Sadly, though, there was no button marked "Make the backside pretty." Hat tip to Evan.

Gallery: Porsche Panamera Tech Briefing and First Ride

Re-Spec Yourself: Porsche Panamera configurator appears originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Is Spyker planning on introducing a Maserati Quattroporte killer?

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Spyker, Rendered Speculation, Rumormill

Spyker is -- once again -- talking about a new line of vehicles that will take on four-door sports sedans like the Maserati Quattroporte and Porsche Panamera. Two years ago Spyker mentioned an E-line with eight- and twelve-cylinder engines would join the C-line sports cars and D-line SUVs. With the trouble the company had simply surviving, those plans were left outside to die. Now with the D8 Paris-to-Peking SUV back in progress and cars like the LM85 to crow about, Spyker CEO Victor Muller believes now could be the time to resurrect the saloon. It's taken four years for the D8 to appear in close-to-production form so we wouldn't line up for the Spyker E yet. But as Adam Ant said, there's always room at the top, and the Dutch company is always good for an interesting variation on familiar themes.

[Source: Quotenet (translated) via Autoblog.nl (translated)]

Is Spyker planning on introducing a Maserati Quattroporte killer? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Apr 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Price of Green: Bentley Continental Supersports is $267,000

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Green, Supercars, Bentley, Electric

Bentley Continental Supersports - Click above for a high-res gallery

The Continental Supersports has been priced, with Bentley having decided that $267,000 is fair compensation for exclusive access to green, luxurious speed. The ethanol-capable Conti is not only a sign of Bentley technology to come, it also provides the first clues to the next generation Continental, which we were told "isn't far off." Orders can be placed beginning in October, though the first couple hundred units earmarked for the U.S. will be gas-only, with the full on flex-fuel model arriving Stateside summer of 2010.

The total price includes ceramic brakes but not destination and gas guzzler tax, which will take you up to about $275,000. After that, the only limit is your Cayman Islands balance. Check out the gallery of high-res pics below.

Gallery: New York 2009: Bentley Continental Supersports

The Price of Green: Bentley Continental Supersports is $267,000 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Apr 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A GT-R more wicked than the Spec-V this way comes...?

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 10:55:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Supercars, Nissan, Specialty

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Nissan GT-R SpecV

When the Nissan GT-R SpecV was unveiled, we called it "Nissan's most super of supercars." We were, uh, mistaken. Inside Line spent a few fast days in Japan trying out the SpecV under the eye of the car's chief engineer, Kazutoshi Mizuno. At the end of it, he casually told them that "The SpecV, in contrast to what you might be thinking, is not the high-performance version of the GT-R."

So no matter what 'Ring time the GT-R SpecV posts next month, there's still another, quicker one coming. The question is, how is it coming? A stripped-out, lightweight trackie? More base horsepower and torque, instead of a time-limited torque booster? Rockets and lasers? We have our own ideas of what could trump the SpecV, but we look forward to finding out what The Creator himself has in mind. Hat tip to Jim.

[Source: Inside Line]

A GT-R more wicked than the Spec-V this way comes...? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: New details on next Bentley Continental emerge

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 16:27:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Bentley, Rumormill

Bentley Continental GT Speed - Click above for high-res gallery

The Camry for Rich People (AKA the Bentley Continental) is ready for a makeover and, according to Automobile, work is underway on the next iteration of Bentley's volume model. Due to arrive in 2011, the new coupe will reportedly emerge lighter than its predecessor, along with sharing more components with the Audi A8 and possibly packing a diesel drivetrain.

The styling of the new GT is led again by Dirk van Braeckel, so expect an evolutionary design that captures all the cues from the current model and packages them into a more aerodynamic package. With the A8's front suspension employed in favor of the Volkswagen Phaeton's, front overhangs should be shorter, allowing the wheelbase to be stretched. This, along with a wider track and a slightly larger footprint, will allow the interior accommodations - primarily the rear seats and trunk - to grow. An aluminum space-frame is expected to be used in front, with a traditional steel setup in the rear to shave around 400 pounds from the current coupe's curb weight, bringing the final tonnage down to around 4,800 pounds.

Power will be provided by an array of upgraded W12s producing approximately 580 hp and 515 lb-ft of torque in the standard model and 650 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque on the Speed variants. Both models stand to benefit from a eight-speed automatic gearbox, and a 4.2-liter turbo-diesel putting out 374 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque is reportedly in the works. Automobile speculates that a plug-in hybrid could make it to market, assuming lithium-ion batteries are available.

The standard Continental GT should arrive in early 2011, followed by the redesigned Flying Spur in mid-2012, with the GTC convertible coming in late 2013 and the Speed variants arriving in 2015.

Gallery: 2008 Bentley Continental GT Speed

Gallery: Review: Bentley Continental GT Speed

[Source: Automobile]

Rumormill: New details on next Bentley Continental emerge originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Mar 2009 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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