Autoblog

Aussie Envy: HSV E Series 2 lineup unveiled

Alex Nunez — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Truck, Wagon, GM, Holden, Australia

The HSV E Series 2 lineup - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Just as wounds from the Pontiac G8 being ripped from us are beginning to scar over, HSV has torn them open anew by revealing version 2.0 of its Commodore-based E Series lineup. It's facelifts all around for the gang of Aussie stoplight brawlers, four of which - The GTS, Maloo R8, ClubSport R8 and ClubSport R8 Tourer - even get the erstwhile Poncho's twin-scoop hood. The more luxurious Senator Signature and long-wheelbase Grange models have smooth hoods and less overall ornamentation. Either one would have made a sublime performance Buick, but oh well...

The most extreme looker of the bunch is the range-topping HSV GTS (front and center), which rocks a vicious Fu-Manchu blackout treatment on its new front fascia. All of the cars get new wheels, LED running lights, and new treatments out back as well. Every HSV machine also has an LS3 V8 pumping out 317 kW (425 hp), except the GTS - its LS3 makes 325 kW (435 hp). To further drive home the point, 317 or 325 badging is prominently displayed on the back of the GTS, Maloo, and the two ClubSports so that other drivers have a better understanding of why their doors just got blown off. The Corvette's new launch control system is on every manual gearbox-equipped car, and a manual is standard equipment on all of them but the Grange, which is only sold with a six-speed auto. Finally, new "SV Enhanced" options such as upgraded wheels, bi-modal exhaust, and, in the case of the GTS, 6-pot front brakes let drivers trick things out even further.

It's basically a massive laundry list of good stuff we'll probably never ever see in the U.S. now that GM leadership has put a bullet into the whole North American Zeta sedan idea once and for all. Obviously, this rots. Follow the jump for the official HSV press release and have a gander at the new cars in the gallery below. The photos are all labeled so you know which car is which. That way you'll know precisely what it is that we're missing out on.

Gallery: HSV E Series 2 Lineup

[Source: HSV]

Continue reading Aussie Envy: HSV E Series 2 lineup unveiled

Aussie Envy: HSV E Series 2 lineup unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Porsche working on harder Panamera

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:13:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Porsche

2010 Porsche Panamera - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Porsche plans to expand its Panamera line-up to include three new powerplants - a Volkswagen-sourced V6, a diesel and some manner of hybrid - but in addition to offering new engines, the automaker may offer a harder, more performance-oriented model to slot in above the Turbo.

Similar to the strategy Porsche employed with the Cayenne, this new model - which could be dubbed the Turbo S or GTS - would nix the Turbo model's standard air suspension and instead fit a set of performance-tuned springs and shocks to maximize grip and on-track prowess.

As for future powertrains, a senior Porsche executive told Autocar that VAG's V6 and V8 diesels could be fitted to future Panameras, and we wouldn't be surprised to find the new Audi S4's supercharged, petrol-powered 3.0-liter V6 in Porsche's first production sedan in the coming years.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Porsche Panamera

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Porsche working on harder Panamera originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback on sale in U.S. this summer

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 13:55:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Wagon, Hatchback, Mitsubishi

Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart

Mitsubishi finally announced what we've known all along: the five-door Lancer Sportback is coming to the States for the 2010 model year and sales will begin this summer.

The 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback builds on the already competent Lancer sedan, although the overall length is slightly longer to accommodate the new hatch. One-touch auto-folding rear seats split 60:40 to make room for "active lifestyle" parcels and Mitsubishi dropped the rear cargo area floor by three inches to create 52.7 cubic-feet of space when the rear thrones are folded flat.

The Sportback will be available in two trims, beginning in GTS form and equipped with Mitsubishi's 168 hp, 2.4-liter inline four mated to either a five-speed manual or CVT with six "virtual" ratios. More importantly, the Sportback will be offered in Ralliart guise, with the detuned Evolution X's turbocharged 4B11 2.0-liter four putting out 237 hp and 253 lb.-ft. of torque. Power will be doled out to all four wheels through Mitsubishi's All-Wheel Control (AWC) system with Active Center Differential (ACD), and buyers can opt for either the six-speed Twin Clutch-Sportronic Shift transmission (TC-SST) or CVT gearbox, both of which are manipulated by a set of magnesium-alloy paddle shifters.

Pricing hasn't been announced yet, but once all the options boxes are ticked on the Ralliart, expect the price to still be under $30k. Make the jump for the press release.

Gallery: 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart

Gallery: 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback

Continue reading Officially Official: 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback on sale in U.S. this summer

Officially Official: 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback on sale in U.S. this summer originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Jan 2009 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EPA docs confirm 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback coming in GTS and Ralliart trims

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 16:03:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Hatchback, Mitsubishi

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart

Any chance we get to grill a Mitsubishi PR person about the 2009 Lancer Sportback, our questioning inevitably centers on whether the five-door will be packing the Lancer Ralliart's turbocharged, all-wheel-drivetrain. At the New York Auto Show, we were told that the Sportback would "probably" carry the Ralliart's 237-hp, turbocharged inline-four and Evo IX-derived AWD system, but nobody from Mitsubishi would confirmed it. Some snooping at the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) website reveals that Mitsubishi has already filed with the Feds for three different drivetrains for the 2009 hatch, including the GTS' 2.4-liter four-pot attached to either a CVT or five-speed manual, and a 2.0-liter DOHC turbo equipped with an "Automatic (S6)." The automatic in question is almost assuredly the six-speed twin-clutch (TC-SST) gearbox available on the Ralliart. For those of you unable to get around the recently redesigned 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX hatch's shape, a credible contender has arrived, and it should be hitting dealers this spring.

Gallery: 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart

Gallery: Paris 2008: Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback

[Source: EPA via IL]

EPA docs confirm 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback coming in GTS and Ralliart trims originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2008 Porsche Cayenne GTS

Alex Nunez — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 12:28:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, SUV, Porsche

2008 Porsche Cayenne GTS - Click above for high-res image gallery

Porsche makes sports cars backed by a rich tradition and race history. The thought of something wearing the badge that's also able to cart around your family and a load of their assorted junk was once laughable. Today, of course, that thought manifests itself in the form of the Porsche Cayenne. Even now, the idea of the Porsche SUV still seems wrong. Sure, the red Cayenne GTS in the Autoblog Garage has a spec sheet that looks exciting on paper. 405 V8-sourced horses and that shield on the hood makes you almost forget the five doors and 4,900 pounds that fill out the rest of the package. Read on to find out how the 2008 Porsche Cayenne GTS fared as a family hauler during a quick vacation up the coast.

Gallery: Review: 2008 Porsche Cayenne GTS

Continue reading Review: 2008 Porsche Cayenne GTS

Review: 2008 Porsche Cayenne GTS originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Nov 2008 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Stripped-out, lightweight Maserati Gran Turismo

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 18:34:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Maserati

First there was the Maserati Gran Turismo. Then came the Gran Turismo S. Then came spy shots of a Gran Turismo Spyder. And now we have spy shots of a low-down, one-seater, roll-cage and plexiglass-window equipped Gran Turismo Trophy edition sporting three huge holes in its hood. The Trophy version is said to have 413 hp, which is down from the 440 hp of the S -- but it would also be a lot lighter. Claimed to have a new ECU and exhaust, the car gets from zero to 62 mph in just four seconds. As best we can tell from the translation, this naked Gran Turismo Trophy edition is meant to compete with the Porsche GT3, or to compete in a U.S. racing series. While we find those possibilities a little odd, they must have built it to compete with something, and no matter what that something is, we say bring it... Follow the link for more spy shots of the race-ready Maser.

[Source: Autofun via Auto Blog Italy (no relation)]

Spy Shots: Stripped-out, lightweight Maserati Gran Turismo originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Sep 2008 18:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Duel: HSV GTS and FPV GT-P face off Down Under

Alex Nunez — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 19:48:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Ford, GM, Holden, Australia, FPV, HSV

FPV vs. HSV is basically Australian for "Ford vs. Chevy," but on steroids. The two performance divisions have elevated the production of the muscle sedan to an art form, with audacious looks and big power ruling the day. It's as if the original American muscle car era never ended, but got a passport and moved Down Under. Granted, we in the States don't have much to complain about lately, with Aussie muscle now available in a Pontiac wrapper, as well as the 21st century editions of Camaro, Challenger and Mustang waiting to wreak havoc at stoplights.

Still, the sweetest fruit is that which is forbidden, so you might be interested in the Motoring Channel's super acronym showdown: FPV GT-P vs. HSV GTS. The FPV is based on the new Ford FG Falcon, which arrived earlier this year, while the HSV's Holden Zeta platform underpinnings are now a couple years old. Both have V8s, both look evil, and tires break into cold sweats at the mere thought of being mounted on either machine's rear axle. With these two rides, the differences are such that picking a winner is akin to choosing between porterhouse and prime rib. It's not as if you're going to be disappointed either way, but deep down, you do have a preference. Click here to read which menu item the Motoring Channel likes best. Thanks for the tip, Torrent!

Gallery: HSV GTS

Gallery: 2008 FPV GT-P

[Source: Web Wombat/Motoring Channel]

Duel: HSV GTS and FPV GT-P face off Down Under originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Sep 2008 19:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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V Eight developing modern Jensen Interceptor SX supercar

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Specialty

We've already told you about a company called V Eight that has rebirthed the Jensen Interceptor S with an LS2 and modern mechanicals for £75,000, and already, 60% of the allotment of 50 has been sold. That kind of success has got V Eight looking at a successor for the S, and they might have found it in the Jenson Interceptor SX.

The SX would be rebodied over a original donor car, just like the Interceptor S. And while it would still look like a Jenson, as you can see from the official rendering above, the design would be much more modern. The Interceptor SX would get a luxurious interior on the inside and use an LS7 V8 making 620 horsepower for propulsion. To be offered at a price of £145,000, the SX already has deposits from buyers of the Jenson S. As far as we're concerned, if you're going to revive the empire, this is the way to do it.

Gallery: Jensen Interceptor S

[Source: Innovation Cars]

V Eight developing modern Jensen Interceptor SX supercar originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Aug 2008 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Enter the Rumormill: Ferrari 599 roadster and F149

Noah Joseph — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Supercars, Ferrari

The internet, as usual, is rife with speculation. Today's source is the FerrariChat message forum, where members claim to have inside information on two new Ferrari models that are anticipated for launch within the next couple of years.

The news concerns a convertible version of the current 599 GTB Fiorano, an illustration of which you see above (courtesy of AutoGespot). FChat member "supraman55" says his local dealer confirmed the upcoming model for a debut at either Detroit or Geneva in 2009. Speculation surrounding the 599 Spider is backed up by an interview with Ferrari's General Director, Amadeo Felisa, which appeared recently in the German magazine Auto Motor und Sport. When asked about a convertible 599, Felisa confirmed that Ferrari is developing such a model for possible production in a limited series like its predecessor, the 575-based SuperAmerica. We'll add our own fuel to the fire by speculating that, based on traditional Ferrari nomenclature revived for the 599 GTB, the roadster will likely carry the 599 GTS designation, perhaps married to another name to replace Fiorano for the open-air version.

[Sources: FerrariChat, Auto Motor und Sport, AutoGespot]

Continue reading Enter the Rumormill: Ferrari 599 roadster and F149

Enter the Rumormill: Ferrari 599 roadster and F149 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Dec 2007 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Britain's newest supercar entrant: Farbio GTS

Dan Roth — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 10:04:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Supercars

Farbio. Not sold on the name, but we're sure there's a good reason behind it. Someone from the English sports car maker will email us and tell us that it's the maiden name of owner Chris Marsh's beloved grandmother or something, so we won't mock it, just state that it doesn't roll off the tongue. Besides, why would we want to upset the maker of such a nicely turned out car as the Farbio GTS?

There are two versions of the mid-engined sportster: fast and faster. Fast is the 262HP GTS, which can run to 60MPH in 4.8 seconds thanks to its 3-liter V6. Faster sees the V6 fitted with a supercharger, boosting the horsepower by over 100 to 384, and shaving 9 tenths off the 0-60 time, which drops to 3.9 seconds. No new ground is broken when it comes to styling, but that's not to say it's ugly, either. The GTS is reminiscent of several of our favorite cars, and the lines are trim and simple. Inside the carbon fiber shell is plenty of comfort with leather and alcantara, a nav system, and enough room for a 6' 6" driver in the Sparco seats. There's even decent storage space in the rump, so you could go grand touring for a weekend with actual luggage. Orders are backed up for the next 8 months, so you'll have time to save.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Gallery: Farbio GTS

Britain's newest supercar entrant: Farbio GTS originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Sep 2007 10:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2007: Live reveal of the Porsche Cayenne GTS

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 04:34:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, SUV, Porsche

Click the image above for more high-res pics.

The Porsche Cayenne GTS just made its unspectacular reveal, and in keeping with our contract we've got live shots of the automaker's SUV savior. The new DFI 4.8-liter V8 is producing 405 HP at 6,800 RPM and 369 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,500 RPM. The styling changes are decidedly dull, with the incorporation of the Cayenne Turbo's front fascia, a new spoiler, color-matched door handles and a few other tweaks.

You can examine them yourself in the gallery below and check out Porsche's press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2008 Porsche Cayenne GTS

Continue reading Frankfurt 2007: Live reveal of the Porsche Cayenne GTS

Frankfurt 2007: Live reveal of the Porsche Cayenne GTS originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Sep 2007 04:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche Cayenne GTS coming to Frankfurt?

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, SUV, Porsche

A number of reports surfaced today, beginning with a post over at Autoblog.nl (no relation) that asserts Porsche will be unveiling a new model into the Cayenne lineup designed to fit in between the S and the Turbo. The new model, tentatively dubbed the GTS, will be revealed at next week's Frankfurt Motor Show, and will come equipped with 405 HP, a lowered chassis and 21-inch wheels. Additionally, the GTS will benefit from a diet to reduce weight, a revised aero-kit, a model-specific color (GTS-Red) and will ditch the rear bench seat in favor of a two separate buckets out back.

The GTS will likely share the podium with another Cayenne concept, that one sporting a hybrid drivetrain, along with the new GT2.

[Source: Autoblog.nl]

Porsche Cayenne GTS coming to Frankfurt? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Sep 2007 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dealers sell out Mitsubishi Lancer GTS

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 13:03:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Mitsubishi

If a company is going to have a problem, this is the kind of problem it wants to have -- even though it's still... a problem. Mitsubishi expected the mid-level Lancer ES to account for the bulk of Stateside sales. Buyers, though, are all about the $18,115 Lancer GTS, making them 60% of sales. The GTS rides above the ES with bigger wheels and brakes and a sport suspension, as well as body mods that make it look faster, if nothing else.

Total Lancer sales through July of this year were 20,816, which included the last of the previous generation. After launching sales of the new Lancer in the US, it is also now being sold in Russia and Japan. In response to the demand for the GTS model, Mitsubishi has actually canceled 1,700 orders for the GTS placed by US dealers. The only option left for dealers until the end of November: order an ES and get a GTS later, which doesn't seem like much of an option for dealers or buyers.

[Source: Auto News, Sub Req'd]

Dealers sell out Mitsubishi Lancer GTS originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Sep 2007 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Super-Rare Ferrari roadster fetches $385k at Amelia auction

Noah Joseph — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 14:52:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Classics, Auctions, Misc. Auto Shows

There are Ferraris, there are rare Ferraris, and then there are the exceptionally rare Ferraris, the likes of which collectors and enthusiasts wait to hit the auction block with bated breath. At last month's RM auction of vintage motor cars at the Amelia Island Concours D'Elegance, one such special Prancing Horse hit the auction block, selling at a price significantly lower than its estimated value.

The Ferrari 365 GTS/4 was the convertible version of the car nicknamed the Daytona, although officially it never received that nameplate. Only 121 such Daytona Spyders were built by the factory; the rest were chop-jobs performed on Daytona coupes by Carrozziere. Serial number 16467 was the 71st authentic 365 GTS/4 built by Maranello, and had a rather eventful history. The car was originally sold in the Reno, Nevada to an American customer named Mr. Greer. In 1975 it appeared in the Warner Bros. movie "A Star is Born" starring Kris Kristofferson and Barbara Streisand, and was severely damaged in the production. (Why they didn't use a mock-up like in the original Miami Vice series or at least a chopped-roof Daytona coupe is beyond reasoning.) The bashed-up car was sold to a Mr. Luigi Chinetti, who commissioned the coachbuilder Giovanni Michelotti (not to be confused with the Ferrari racing specialists Michelotto) to rebuild the damaged roadster into the one-of-a-kind special you see here. It would be among the last Michelotti would ever design.

Since being displayed at the Turin motor show in 1980, the Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Michelotti NART Spyder has changed ownership only a few times. Although its value prior to the auction was estimated between five and $700,000, the Spyder sold for only $385,000. It just goes to show that an item is only worth as much as someone's willing to pay for it, but this is one example that's bound to appreciate in value over the coming years.

[Source: RM Auctions]

Super-Rare Ferrari roadster fetches $385k at Amelia auction originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Apr 2007 14:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Holden HSV E-Series lineup unveiled

Alex Nunez — Tue, 22 Aug 2006 07:03:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Etc.

The Holden HSV E-Series cars officially broke cover yesterday, courtesy of the Australian Drive.com website. This comes just a few days after shots of a ClubSport R8 were accidentally leaked onto the web.

The ClubSport R8 in the leaked photographs is joined by the the the similarly bespoilered GTS and the more staid Senator Signature. All three cars share the same powertrain: Chevy's 6.0L LS2 V8, which is mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. The combo is good for 411 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of asphalt-shredding torque. With the manual shifter, the E-Series cars run to 62 mph in 4.96 seconds. Cars equipped with the auto accomplish the feat in 5.04 sec. Either way you cut it, they're fast.

While they're based on the new VE Commodore, the HSV E-Series vehicles incorporate unique front and rear fascias and large vents aft of the front wheel wells to visually differentiate them from the standard-issue Commodores. In fact, the cars feature 301 elements that are unique to them.

(Continues after the jump)

[Source: Drive.com.au]

Continue reading Holden HSV E-Series lineup unveiled

Holden HSV E-Series lineup unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Aug 2006 07:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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