Autoblog

REPORT: Audi version of Volkswagen Bluesport in the works

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 09:59:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Geneva Motor Show, Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen

Above - Our lame attempt at photoshopping the Bluesport and Audi Clubsport Quattro Concept together

It should come as no surprise that Audi is working on its own version of the Volkswagen Concept Bluesport, and according to Automotive News, the design has already been completed.

In the lead-up to the Bluesport's unveiling, rumors (and simple logic) said that in order for Volkswagen to make the mid-engine roadster financial viable, the platform and all its associated underpinnings would have to be distributed across several models. A senior VW group exec told AN, "To make a strong business case for the new roadster, we need to share the investment with at least three brands." In addition to VW, one of those brands is Audi and the other is almost assuredly Porsche.

While Skoda and Seat's budget-oriented image couldn't include a variant of the roadster - estimated to cost around €30,000 - Porsche might be interested in an entry-level model to slot in below the Boxster and help to reduce the automaker's overall CO2 emissions.

Volkswagen is expected to announce a production decision on the Concept Bluesport in the next two months, and we're hoping that the completed version will bow in Geneva.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Volkswagen BlueSport Concept

Gallery: Detroit Preview: Volkswagen BlueSport Concept

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

REPORT: Audi version of Volkswagen Bluesport in the works originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Jan 2009 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Jaguar aims at R8 with new mid-engine supercar

Noah Joseph — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Jaguar

Click above to view the 2000 Jaguar F-Type concept in high resolution

Reports from across the pond regarding Jaguar's plans for a new supercar are coming out of the woodwork, but while Autocar contends that Jag is (still) working on the return of the F-type, AutoExpress reports that an all-new mid-engine supercar is coming in concept form within the next year.

While under Ford PAG management, Jaguar cut back its development projects to its core products, but Tata figures there's more than one way to skin a cat. The F-Type was first shown as a concept car in 2000, but was subsequently shelved. However, under Tata's leadership more niche vehicles like the F-Type, which could hit the market by 2011, could make Jaguar a more compelling alternative brand to the big German automakers and help buoy Jaguar's image.

Back in 2001, Jaguar unveiled the R-Coupe concept, which could influence this new Audi R8 competitor. Based on the current XK, and possibly named the XE, the mid-engine coupe would be powered by the XFR's 503-hp supercharged, 5.0-liter V8 and would be the first vehicle from Jag with an engine mounted amidships since the XJ220. According to Jaguar's managing director, Mike O'Driscoll, the "XK is the car that began a revolution for us, but it's not the end of the story. I firmly believe the best car we could build to compliment this is a flagship coupe." If it does come to fruition, expect the XE to debut at the Geneva Motor Show in 2010.

Gallery: Jaguar F-Type Concept

[Source: Autocar, AutoExpress]

Rumormill: Jaguar aims at R8 with new mid-engine supercar originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Jan 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Conflicting details: Volkswagen's LA-bound mid-engine coupe

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, LA Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Volkswagen

CAR and Autoweek have tapped their sources within Volkswagen to get the scoop on a rumored mid-engine Elise-fighter that may debut at next month's LA Auto Show. But when working with unnamed insiders, information tends to get jumbled in the process and differing reports emerge that suggest it's all more speculation than hard facts.

Both reports confirm what we've heard before: Volkswagen will limit the cylinder count to four, but that's where the similarities end. Autoweek's sources say that engine choices will be limited to either a 170-hp 1.4-liter Twincharger TSI gasoline engine or a new 125-hp 1.6-liter TDI sending power to the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. CAR pegs displacement of the gasoline engines at between 1.2- and 1.4-liters, with output ranging from 105 to 160 hp. A 1.2-liter TDI producing 75 hp is also being bandied around.

According to Autoweek, the mid-engine coupe will come to market in 2011, while CAR contends production won't begin until 2013. Additionally, CAR reports that VW won't use an aluminum architecture due to cost constraints, meaning that the Modular Sports Car (MSC) will come in at around 2,660 pounds (300kg heavier than the Elise). On the other hand, Autoweek is saying that the concept will tip the scales below 2,200 pounds by tapping Audi for its expertise with aluminum and opening the door to a four-ringed variant with a choice of a 211-hp 2.0-liter TFSI or a 204-hp twin-turbo'd 2.0-liter TDI. Not to mention the possibility of a Porsche 914 successor.

A strut-based suspension will be employed instead of a Golf-derived multi-link arrangement, while parts cribbed from the rest of the VW line - ranging from steering components and brakes to electronics and transmissions - will be used to keep manufacturing costs in check. Autoweek is also reporting that both a coupe and roadster will be offered, which strikes us as totally unnecessary as VW would be better served offering a removable hard-top similar to that on the MSC's target, the Lotus Elise.

[Sources: CAR and Autoweek]

Conflicting details: Volkswagen's LA-bound mid-engine coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Oct 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Porsche developing Baby Boxster, a return of the 356

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 14:27:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Coupe, Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen

Volkswagen is set to debut a mid-engine concept at this year's LA Auto Show, and an Audi R3 derivative that could replace the TT is reportedly also being considered. With Porsche's increased stake in VAG, it was just a matter of time before rumors of sharing this mid-engine platform between VW, Audi and Porsche began to surface, and a new model destined to slot in below the Boxster is the obvious conclusion.

Once again, CAR is leading the speculative charge, with sources suggesting that Porsche will use the mid-engine architecture to revive the 356 marque - not the 914 moniker - to create a baby Boxster priced around £20,000-35,000 and produced in very small numbers.

Unlike the stillborn Audi R4, the R3 and its Porsche sibling wouldn't encroach on Boxster sales due to their limited availability. Fixed roof and convertible versions of both models are planned, but engine choices would be limited to turbocharged four-cylinders displacing between 1.2- and 2.0-liters and ranging in output from 105 hp to 280 hp. Diesel variants could also be offered in the Audi, but Quattro all-wheel-drive wouldn't be part of package due to weight and friction penalties.

It's a very compelling proposition, particularly since the new architecture is reportedly being developed to accept everything from electric drivetrains to hybrids, and with a curb weight around 2,200 pounds. But don't expect anything to come to market until 2012 or 2013 at the earliest, assuming that Porsche doesn't get cold feet and kills off the project before it leaves the drawing board.

[Source: CAR]

Rumormill: Porsche developing Baby Boxster, a return of the 356 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Sep 2008 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What could have been - AMX/3

Dan Roth — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Classics, Etc., Supercars

UPDATE: It turns out there were actually some running and driving versions of this car, link in text below.

The fact that AMC never produced this car is probably part of the reason why they were able to hang on as the last independent automaker until the twilight of the 1980s. Looking at it now, though, makes us wish they'd gone after the mid-engined supercar segment with their iconoclastic flair. Sure, that'd mean an interior done up in noxious orange tartan, but look at that design! Richard Teague and crew managed to create a very muscular form evocative of what may have happened had a Toronado mated with Signor Miura. There were several development cars created, but no production version. What has recently surfaced is one of the "pushcars" used at events to show off the exterior styling. Pushcars were basically fiberglass bodies splashed from molds of the clay bucks. Underneath the exterior was a wooden framework and rudimentary axles front and rear.

Other pushcars from the same program have surfaced, one was even stuck atop a pole at a used car dealership before being rescued and restored (as a pushcar, that is.) The AMX/3, however, remained sealed away in Bruce Wayne's underground lair, it would seem, until earlier this year. The seller, second owner of the AMX/3, had intended on mounting the body to a Pantera chassis, but decided to sell it instead. New owner Tom Dulaney intends to restore the pushcar back to its original setup, but not before taking molds from the body to possibly create replica pieces. So, in the end, we may actually be able to own the sexiest AMC that never was, even if it is underpinned by a Fiero. Actually, there's no word on what would serve as a chassis, so let your imaginations run. We know what will be circling our heads as we fall asleep tonight.

[Source: Hemmings]

What could have been - AMX/3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 27 Oct 2007 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Twin-turbo, mid-engine Corvette Super Coupe headed to SEMA

John Neff — Tue, 08 May 2007 18:04:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, GM

Though rumors are still swirling beneath the surface that General Motors may be working on a true mid-engine Corvette that would be sold alongside the next-generation C7 model, no one really expects such a paradigm shifting car to ever see the light of day. That hasn't stopped Phil Somers from American Super Car, who is building a mid-engine car with a Sting Ray body powered by a 1,000-hp, twin-turbo LS V8 for this year's SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Called the V7twinturbo, the car is built on a tube chassis and has an independant suspension that supposedly can handle the stampede of ponies beneath the car's rear-hinged engine cover. Shifting will happen via paddles that operate a Mendeola transaxle, while every other aspect including braking, steering and handling will be top notch, as well. The picture above is of a scale model that's been photoshopped for effect, which is good because those DUB rims need to go.

[Source: MaxChevy via Jalopnik]

Twin-turbo, mid-engine Corvette Super Coupe headed to SEMA originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 May 2007 18:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi R4 and NSU TT: Is Ingolstadt readying new mid-engine models?

John Neff — Thu, 09 Nov 2006 16:26:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Audi

It may be the case that Audi's foray into the midtacular* world of mid-engine cars won't end with the new R8 super sports car. German outlet Autobild claims that Audi is considering a smaller mid-engine sports car called the R4 that would obviously make life a little harder for the Porsche Cayman and Boxster. It's also claiming that Audi may revive the rear/mid-engine NSU TT, the car after which the current TT was named. The original NSUs were much like the European version of the Corvair, featuring rear-mounted air-cooled four- and two-cylinder engines. The hotted up version was, of course, called the NSU TT. It's hard to tell through the garbled Google translation how solid any of this information is, but we're certain the success of Audi's mid-engine R8 will play into Ingolstadt's future product plans.

*"midtacular" on loan from Comedy Central and The Daily Show / The Colbert Report. We have to give it back before tonight's episodes.

[Source: Autobild via German Car Blog]

Audi R4 and NSU TT: Is Ingolstadt readying new mid-engine models? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Nov 2006 16:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Trademark dumpster diving reveals a few gems

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 08 Sep 2006 08:54:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, GM, Lexus

The news that is not 'right' has uncovered some interesting automotive tidbits while scouring through obscure trademark filings.

First, General Motors has patented the term "8 speed" for use with what is presumed to be an eight-speed transmission. Logical, no? That would put their premium brands, Buick and Cadillac, on par with Lexus' newest tranny int their flagship the LS460.

Second up, LLN says that on October 6th, 2006 (whaaa?), GM filed a 'published for opposition' writ through the trademark office for the word 'Firebird.' We have no idea what the designation 'published for opposition' means (is there a patent lawyer in the house?), but LLN contends that it's a necessary step when reregistering a title. This may be what Bob Lutz has been mentioning under the name 'GTO,' but what's more interesting is the 'Fiero' moniker has also been re-applied for. This may be the first step in the General's plan of offering a small, hard-top coupe, but if it's just a Solstice with a fixed lid, our interest is only mildly piqued. Doesn't the name Fiero imply a mid-ship layout? We think so.

Finally, Lexus may not be pursuing the whole perfection thing soon, as they've applied for two new slogans: "The Passionate Pursuit of Potential" and "The Pursuit of Potential." We think it may be best to let our readers do the analysis on those.

Ready, set, speculate!

[Source: LeftLaneNews]

Trademark dumpster diving reveals a few gems originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Sep 2006 08:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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