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.

Alcoa developing lighter wheels for increased efficiency originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Mar 2009 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Ferrari technical training center pictured above for illustrative purposes

Continue reading A Balanced Education: Ferrari dedicates "Mille Chili" lab at local university

A Balanced Education: Ferrari dedicates "Mille Chili" lab at local university originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Hyundai aiming to lose weight, increase efficiency by 2015 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 May 2008 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

FiveAxis Lexus IS-F at the 2007 LA Auto Show

When Lexus set out to target the likes of the BMW M3, Audi RS4 and Mercedes C63 AMG with its spankin' new IS-F, they weren't kidding. The V8 super-sedan turned out to be an astonishing departure for the Japanese luxury brand that cut its teeth on rock-solid reliability and luxurious comfort. Not content resting on its laurels, rumors are surfacing that Toyota is hard at work preparing an even more extreme variant, being dubbed in the motoring press as the IS-F/R.

Reports have Lexus tweaking an extra 12 horsepower and 4 lb-ft of torque out of the Yamaha-sourced 417-hp/372 lb-ft, 5.0-liter V8 for an increased output of 429 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque. A modest increase, it would seem, until you look at the targeted 220-lb weight reduction. And as we all know, a little more power unburdened by significantly less weight is a winning formula. Just ask the likes of the Ferrari 430 Scuderia, Lamborghini Gallardo SUperleggera, Porsche 911 GT2 et al.

The rumored price of admission? A whopping 11 million yen in Japan, compared to the 7.7 million yen for what suddenly looks by comparison like a rather ordinary "standard" IS-F. Pursuit of Perfection, indeed.

[Source: Winding Road]

Enter the Rumormill: Lexus developing lightweight, 429-hp IS-F/R originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Dec 2007 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Toyota/Subaru sports car details emerge, answers big questions originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Sep 2007 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

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

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

[Source: Motor Authority via AutoWeek]

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

Our mates across the pond at PistonHeads say they've got it on good authority that Lamborghini is indeed producing a Superleggera version of the too-hot-to-handle Murcielago.

Eyebrows were raised when spy photogs snapped a Murcielago test mule running test laps around the Nurburgring's venerable Nordschleiff in Germany, sporting a big ol' wing on the back and what looks like carbon fiber body panels. If the reports are correct - and we hope they are - the Murcielago Superleggera will get the same treatment as its little brother, the Gallardo Superleggera, which was unveiled at the Geneva show. That means carbon fiber and composite components will help bring the weight down, while some tweaks to the engine will bring power up, resulting in a delicious increase to the supercar's power-to-weight ratio. It's too early to tell how much extra juice the stripped-down Lambo will get, but it should be a daunting task considering that the engine's output was already augmented for the LP640. Could we be seeing a 700 horsepower figure?

The report suggests an official unveiling of the Murcielago Superleggera in March 2008, but with Lamborghini's pledge to have a new attraction at every major auto show, we wouldn't be surprised - delighted, mind you, but not surprised - to see it take its first bow earlier than that.

[Source: PistonHeads]

REPORT: Murcielago Superleggera confirmed originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 May 2007 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Lamborghini's future, encapsulated: Versions galore, except a 'Ute originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Mar 2007 08:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The battle between the Prancing Horse and the Raging Bull is the most epic in the automotive industry, with Maranello and Sant'Agata always searching for ways to one-up eachother. (Which one is Borat and which one is his neighbor with the iPod mini depends on your perspective.) So with Ferrari preparing to release the F430 Challenge Stradale, Lamborghini wasn't going to be left holding its fedora. That's why reports are surfacing that Lamborghini is working on a new, lightweight version of the Gallardo.

Reviving the classic Superleggera name from Italian automotive history, the Gallardo Superleggera will shed "frills" from the cabin (for example sound insulation, thick glass, carpeting, power features, stereo, air conditioning and leather) and replace body panels with carbon fiber, a targeted weight savings of 220 lbs, bringing the total curb weight to less than 3000 lbs. However, unlike pre-Audi lightweight special Lambos, the Gallardo is expected to retain its all-wheel-drive.

Reports also suggest a slight increase in power (likely from a revised exhaust), adding an extra 10 hp that should help the leaner Lambo drop a good half-second off its 0-60 sprint.

Could this be the surprise Lamborghini has in store for us at Geneva? We'll find out next week.

[Source: Quattroruote via Motor Authority]

Lamborghini preparing Gallardo Superleggera originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Feb 2007 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Weismann is gearing up for expansion. The German niche sportscar maker is preparing to enter the US market by the end of the decade, increasing production threefold and possibly adding additional engine options.

Featuring curvaceous retro styling reminiscent of classic British sportscars, the Weismann Roadster and Weismann GT employ BMW-sourced engines coupled with lightweight chassis to offer exceptional performance. The 2600-pound Roadster is available with a choice of Bavarian in-line six engines, at either 231 hp from 3 liters or the previous-generation M3's 3.2-liter unit pumping out 343 horses, while the larger GT is motivated by BMW's 4.8-liter 367-hp V8. Weismann insists that their cars are designed to accommodate the entire range of Beemer powerplants, including the M5's V10, a V12 or even a diesel.

Weismann also hopes to cut down on customer waiting times, as orders for the Roadster currently take six months to fill, or 18 months for the GT.

Given the beauty and performance offered by the small German firm, we think they'll find many eager American customers willing to pony up for their unique creations.

[Source: AutoWeek

Weismann crossing the ocean originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Sep 2006 14:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

In a new entry over at TheTruthAboutCars.com, writer Johnny Lieberman trips the rant fantastic, lambasting carbon fiber-- material of choice for racer and poseur alike. So, what does the writer have against the sought-after weave? Well, it's impact properties, for one (Lieb' recons its accident constitution is a one-and-done proposition), and its indulgent cost for another.
Granted, Lieberman doesn't spill his vitriol on the carbon fiber's motorsports applications, he mainly calls to task the trend where the shiny plaits (or knockoffs thereof) are employed in everything from dashboard appliqués to parking brake handles, the vast majority of which offer few tangible benefits in production cars beyond aesthetics.

What do you think... is carbon fiber over-hyped, or does it remain a desirable material?

[Source: TheTruthAboutCars.com]

Carbon fiber... don't believe the hype? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Jun 2006 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

UK pub Auto Express is claiming that Audi has plans to bring out a sports coupe smaller than the TT (a new model of which Audi unveils later today). While many of Ingolstadt's  production offerings have been known for their high performance capabilities, light weight has rarely figured as part of their charm. But that may be about to change.

Audi is reportedly co-developing a Lotus Elise fighter with Austrian motorcycle concern KTM. The program evidently originated among the two-wheeled specialists' planners and was pitched to both Volkswagen and Audi, with the former turning down the opportunity to lavish its attention on the coming GX3 trike.

Auto Express is predicting a curb weight of under 750kg (1,650 lbs), 0-60 mph in under 6 seconds, and 50 mpg. In what would be a remarkable about-face on Quattro technology, Audi is reportedly considering going rear-wheel drive.

A concept is expected to be shown by year's end.

Q: If it reaches showrooms, the bantamweight Audi will likely be a thriller. But given the company's linkages to Porsche, will the model clash with the Cayman?

[Source: AutoExpress, Tower Hobbies]

Audi readying sub-TT Elise fighter? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Apr 2006 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.