Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Rumormill: Holden-based, RWD 2012 Chevy SS coming after all?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/rumormill-holden-based-rwd-2012-chevy-ss-coming-after-all/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/rumormill-holden-based-rwd-2012-chevy-ss-coming-after-all/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/rumormill-holden-based-rwd-2012-chevy-ss-coming-after-all/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Chevrolet Lumina SS (Middle East edition) - Click above for high-res image gallery

If it's Monday, there must be a big, rear-wheel drive Chevrolet four-door coming soon. Tuesday? We'll retract and deny everything. We know, we know. We also know we just reported that the next Chevy Impala will remain front-wheel drive - but check this out. We've been hearing rumors for some time now, that despite whatever Fritz Henderson has to say on the matter, a high-performance version of General Motors' Zeta platform that underpins the Pontiac G8 will live on as a Chevy SS model, either badged as a Caprice or (more likely) an Impala. And we're not talking the police special. As Maximum Bob has said, the G8 is "Kinda too good to waste." Needless to say, we totally agree.

An eagle-eye'd AB reader named Jim just caught the following on a Pontiac G8 forum:
"My dealer had sent off pictures to GM of the cable portion of the front seats belts rubbing against the plastic on the side of the front seats. In an email sent back to the dealer, GM says that they have no plans to solve what has already been built but going forward a correction is planned. The email continues: ...a fix is planned for MY11.5 Chevy Police Program and MY12 Chevy SS. The fix will involve a protective sleeve that covers the buckle and section of the buckle stem that rubs on the plastic trim."

How 'bout them apples? That might normally be a sliver of a sliver of a rumor, but it exactly what what we've heard independently from a reliable source - and it brings a great big smile to our face. Now, repeat after us, LS3 with six-speed manual, LS3 with six-speed manual, LS3 with six-speed manual... Thanks a million, Jim!


Gallery: 2009 Chevy Lumina SS (Middle East)


[Source: G8 Board]

Rumormill: Holden-based, RWD 2012 Chevy SS coming after all? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bob LutzBobLutzChevrolet Caprice SSChevrolet Impala SSChevrolet SSChevroletCapriceSsChevroletImpalaSsChevroletSsChevy Impala SSChevy Police ProgramChevy SSChevyImpalaSsChevyPoliceProgramChevySsG8G8 GTG8 GXPG8GtG8GxpHoldenPontiacPontiac G8PontiacG8RumormillRumorsMon, 16 Nov 2009 15:32:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Porsche readying Carrera 4-based super 911 for 2010 intro?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/22/report-porsche-readying-carrera-4-based-super-911-for-2010-intr/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/22/report-porsche-readying-carrera-4-based-super-911-for-2010-intr/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/22/report-porsche-readying-carrera-4-based-super-911-for-2010-intr/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Porsche is hard at work at things other than trying to get into bed with Volkswagen. The mill of rumors is abuzz with word that Porsche is preparing a 911 Carrera Supersport (or Sport Classic in America perhaps), a throwback to the 1984 911 Carrera Supersport. The original Supersport was a regular 911 with some of the 911 Turbo model's cosmetic and performance enhancements, such as the Turbo tail, suspension, and brakes.

The one supposedly being readied for next year will take a current 2S model wearing the 4S widebody flanks, GT3-style front and rear bumpers, a double-bubble roof, and supposedly a ducktail spoiler reminiscent of the 2.7 RS. The engine will get Porsche's factory powerkit that boosts horsepower and top speed, the wheels will be up-to-date variations on the classic Fuchs units, and the interior will be rendered in brown leather. Price for the "very limited edition" model is expected to be in the neighborhood of £135K ($220k U.S.).

[Source: Jalopnik | Image: Sloan Cars]

REPORT: Porsche readying Carrera 4-based super 911 for 2010 intro? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 porsche 9112010Porsche911911911 sport classic911 supersport911SportClassic911Supersportcoupeperformanceporscheporsche 911Porsche911rumormillsportsupersportWed, 22 Jul 2009 18:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumormill: BMW plans assault on the premium entry-level segment with X and Y models]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/08/rumormill-bmw-plans-assault-on-the-premium-entry-level-segment/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/08/rumormill-bmw-plans-assault-on-the-premium-entry-level-segment/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/08/rumormill-bmw-plans-assault-on-the-premium-entry-level-segment/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1 series1-series1Seriesbmwbmw 1-seriesbmw 135ibmw x1bmw ybmw z2Bmw1-seriesBmw135iBmwX1BmwYBmwZ2coupecrossovercuvgtrumormillsavsportsx1Mon, 08 Jun 2009 09:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Rolls-Royce to build special edition Minis?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/26/rolls-royce-to-build-special-edition-minis/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/26/rolls-royce-to-build-special-edition-minis/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/26/rolls-royce-to-build-special-edition-minis/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Gearing up for production of the Silver Ghost, Rolls-Royce recently put out the call for craftspeople good with wood, leather, and paint. If a new MotoringFile report is true, if any of you get the job, you might be making wood veneers not just for the new plutocratic sedan, but for a few special Mini models as well.

Word is that Rolls-Royce will be developing a range of "coachbuilt" factory options, lumped together as options packages for Mini that you can order at your dealer and that would be administered at the Oxford plant. It is also being suggested that the Rolls name will somehow be attached to the special Coopers as well. You can let your Mini dealer know if you're interested in the program, but based on the estimated price of some other special edition Minis, well, be prepared to pay a lot of money.

[Source: MotoringFile | Image: Automoblog.net]

Rolls-Royce to build special edition Minis? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 May 2009 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coachbuildercoachbuildingcoachbuiltCoopercoupelimited editionLimitedEditionminiOxfordrolls-roycerumormillspecial editionSpecialEditionTue, 26 May 2009 17:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: Honda S2000 successor rumored to get hybrid power, AWD]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/26/rendered-speculation-honda-s2000-successor-rumored-to-get-hybri/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/26/rendered-speculation-honda-s2000-successor-rumored-to-get-hybri/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/26/rendered-speculation-honda-s2000-successor-rumored-to-get-hybri/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Honda is in the sea change business lately, reasserting itself in the hybrid sphere with the Insight and forthcoming CR-Z, and giving Acura the ZDX and perhaps a sleek new coupe to play with. The latest Honda rumor originating from the homeland is that the company could be working on a car that will replace the S2000 more in spirit than in configuration.

The purported coupe is said to be a 2+2 and more powerful than the CR-Z, with all four wheels driven through a variant of Honda's SH-AWD system. It might also be a hybrid. Rumors of an S2000 successor in some guise - even as a front-wheel drive Acura - have been around for a couple of years now, and they probably won't stop until we actually get one. But you'll never hear us complain about Honda's entry into powerful little hybrid all-wheel drive sports cars - as long as it doesn't look like the bastardized rendering of a Mitsubishi Eclipse you see pictured.

[Source: Carscoop]

Rendered Speculation: Honda S2000 successor rumored to get hybrid power, AWD originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 May 2009 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coupecr-zhondahonda s2000HondaS2000hybridrumormills2000sportsTue, 26 May 2009 10:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: Honda set to release Acura coupe in 2010?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/25/rendered-speculation-honda-set-to-release-acura-coupe-in-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/25/rendered-speculation-honda-set-to-release-acura-coupe-in-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/25/rendered-speculation-honda-set-to-release-acura-coupe-in-2010/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Rumor on two continents - Germany in Auto Motor und Sport and Japan in Holiday - has it that Acura is developing a sleek four-door to join the lexicologically questionable segment known as "four-door coupes." The various translations equate to a car built on the forthcoming ZDX crossover's architecture, with reports suggesting that the new model will slot in between the TSX and the TL. Longer than the TSX by a few inches, the coupe is expected to also be wider, lower, and have a longer wheelbase than the small sedan.

Although one of the outlets mentioned a V8 and a FR layout, the consensus on a proposed engine is the 3.7-liter V6 paired up with Acura's SH-AWD and Motion Adaptive EPS. When might one expect to see this latter-day CL, if such a thing really does exist? Next year's Detroit Auto Show, with U.S. sales perhaps at the end of 2010. Hat tip to Nick!

[Source: Temple of VTEC]

Rendered Speculation: Honda set to release Acura coupe in 2010? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 May 2009 12:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acuraAcura CLAcuraClcoupefour-door coupeFour-doorCoupehondarendered speculationRenderedSpeculationrumormillsedanZDXMon, 25 May 2009 12:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Despite denial of Fiat/Opel tie-up, critics say alliance would be "far more compelling" than Chrysler deal]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/23/despite-denial-of-fiat-opel-tie-up-critics-say-alliance-would-b/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/23/despite-denial-of-fiat-opel-tie-up-critics-say-alliance-would-b/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/23/despite-denial-of-fiat-opel-tie-up-critics-say-alliance-would-b/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Despite Fiat SpA chairman Luca de Montezemolo (above) denying that his company is interested in purchasing General Motors' Opel brand, a new report by The Wall Street Journal indicates that many investors and analysts apparently find the alleged tie-up to be "far more compelling" than Fiat's proposed alliance with Chrysler. If such a deal were to be consummated, it would make Fiat Europe's number-two automaker, and the prospect of the increased power and lowered overhead that could result still has speculators buzzing.

For their part, Opel spokespeople are declining to comment on the conjecture.

[Source: The Wall Street Journal | Image: Fabrice Coffrini/AFP/Getty]

Despite denial of Fiat/Opel tie-up, critics say alliance would be "far more compelling" than Chrysler deal originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Apr 2009 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ChryslerFiatGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsGMmergerMontezemoloOpelrumorrumormilltakeoverThu, 23 Apr 2009 12:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford reportedly turning its back on production Fiesta RS]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/31/ford-reportedly-turning-its-back-on-production-fiesta-rs/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/31/ford-reportedly-turning-its-back-on-production-fiesta-rs/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/31/ford-reportedly-turning-its-back-on-production-fiesta-rs/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The Ford Fiesta RS has been canceled before - back in 2005 - and yet the rambunctious little hatchback lived to tell the story. Rumor has it that the hottest Fiesta has been canceled again, but these being changed times (and coming on the heels of news that the factory-tuned Fiesta ST has been canceled) it will be much more difficult for the even hotter RS to play the resurrection game.

If this news is true, the reasons for the RS being canned are the same as it was the time: meager profit potential. The Fiesta ST reportedly has a chance of being revived in 2012, but until then, it's apparently standard models for everyone.

[Source: EVO Magazine via 4 Wheels News]

Ford reportedly turning its back on production Fiesta RS originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coupeeuropefiesta rsFiestaRsfordford fiesta rsford ukFordFiestaRsFordUkhatchbackjost capitoJostCapitorsrumormillteam rsTeamRsukTue, 31 Mar 2009 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumormill: Obama will set a deadline for GM and Chrysler to address issues or enter Chapter 11]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/29/rumormill-obama-will-set-a-deadline-for-gm-and-chrysler-to-addr/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/29/rumormill-obama-will-set-a-deadline-for-gm-and-chrysler-to-addr/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/29/rumormill-obama-will-set-a-deadline-for-gm-and-chrysler-to-addr/#commentsFiled under: , ,



GM and Chrysler have until Tuesday to complete the financial restructuring demanded by the government under the terms of the bridge loans. It is unlikely that they will make that target. The sticking point for GM is unwillingness on the part of bondholders to agree to what's being asked: GM needs to transform $27 billion of debt into liquidity, and that means a serious dilution of bondholder equity.

GM Inside News reports that, possibly as a move to prod bondholders, the Obama administration and the Auto Task Force will announce on Monday a deadline for GM and Chrysler to have their stakeholder agreements in order. If they have not met the terms of the loans after that new, hard deadline, they'll be put into a pre-packaged, government-backed Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

It goes on to say that if GM is placed into Chapter 11 then the government and the UAW would have the most voting power. The government's loans are asset-backed, and although the UAW VEBA obligation debt is unsecured, it forms 60% of GM's total unsecured debt. Bondholders would, in turn, get something close to bupkis, and it is hoped that the thought of "zero return" will earn more concessions.

[Source: GM Inside News]

Rumormill: Obama will set a deadline for GM and Chrysler to address issues or enter Chapter 11 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Mar 2009 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto task forceAutoTaskForcebankruptcybridge loansBridgeLoansearningsfinancialsgmgm bailoutgm bankruptcygm bondholdersGmBailoutGmBankruptcyGmBondholdersrumormillSun, 29 Mar 2009 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Is Lamborghini preparing a Reventon Roadster?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/26/could-lamborghini-be-preparing-a-reventon-roadster/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/26/could-lamborghini-be-preparing-a-reventon-roadster/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/26/could-lamborghini-be-preparing-a-reventon-roadster/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Lamborghini Reventon - Click above for high-res image gallery

Lamborghini said it was going to make just 20 examples of the Reventon. And it did. But the raging bull didn't say anything about following that run up with some Reventon roadsters. At least, that's the talk coming out of the UK, where "a very reliable source inside Lamborghini" has dropped the news that nine - that's right, nine - Reventon Roadsters will be forthcoming, and they'll be even more powerful than the hardtop.

The roofless Reventons will get the same engine used in the Murcielago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce, with 670 hp and 487 lb-ft. Not that you would expect anything else, but it will also get a price bump: €1,2 million ($1,633,975.25 USD). That means you - or some high-net-worth person you know - will pay a $634,000 premium to add 20 hp and lose a roof. And join a club with only eight other members...


Gallery: 2008 Lamborghini Reventon


[Source: Cars UK]

Is Lamborghini preparing a Reventon Roadster? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>convertiblecoupelamborghinilamborghini reventonlamborghini reventon roadsterLamborghiniReventonLamborghiniReventonRoadsterlimited editionLimitedEditionreventonreventon roadsterReventonRoadsterrumormillsportssupercarThu, 26 Mar 2009 11:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Will the new Focus be Ford's last RS?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/01/will-the-new-focus-be-fords-last-rs/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/01/will-the-new-focus-be-fords-last-rs/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/01/will-the-new-focus-be-fords-last-rs/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Rumor has bubbled up that this latest Ford Focus RS will be the last. That, however, isn't the most outrageous part of the story - after all, just a couple of years ago there were rumors that the RS badge would disappear on the MkII. And the reasons for the rumor aren't wild, either: the cloudy state of world finances and the pressure of emissions laws means hi-po gas-powered rockets have no place to grow.

The most outrageous part of this rumor comes when it's written that "all the firm's focus will be on economical and eco-friendly vehicles such as hybrids and electric cars." Not some of Ford's attention, but all of Ford's attention. A Ford source apparently bolstered that by saying "it's likely to be the last car of this type you will see from Ford." Not just the last RS, but "the last car of this type."

We hope this is just a sales ploy, some planted hysteria to boost RS sales. Because if it isn't, and Ford really won't be doing any hot little cars, that will mean a far sadder state of affairs than merely the loss of the RS line. Unless, of course, Ford means that the next Focus RS will be 300 hp, 302 lb-ft... and electric?

[Source: iMotor Mag]

Will the new Focus be Ford's last RS? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 Mar 2009 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coupefocus rsFocusRsfordford focus rsFordFocusRsrsrumormillsportssports carSportsCarukSun, 01 Mar 2009 19:25:00 EST<![CDATA[New Jaguar XE sportscar to ride on bobbed XK platform? ]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/24/new-jaguar-xe-sportscar-to-ride-on-bobbed-xk-platform/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/24/new-jaguar-xe-sportscar-to-ride-on-bobbed-xk-platform/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/24/new-jaguar-xe-sportscar-to-ride-on-bobbed-xk-platform/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Autocar is reporting that the compact Jaguar XE sports car due in about two years time will be based on a shortened version of the XK's extruded and cast aluminum frame. The dimensions are supposedly going to challenge those of the Mercedes SLK, and that narrower chassis created for the XE could then be lengthened something that would "compete in the compact premium segment."

Engines - which would go up front, not in the middle - could include an outsourced and blown four-cylinder, or a V6 developed from Jaguar's new 5.0-liter V8. Lotus is again tipped to be helping Jaguar sort out the car's dynamics, and might even manufacture the car.

[Source: Autocar]

New Jaguar XE sportscar to ride on bobbed XK platform? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 10:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coupejaguarjaguar xeJaguarXelotuslotus engineeringLotusEngineeringrumormillsports carSportsCarTue, 24 Feb 2009 10:56:00 EST<![CDATA[More details on "?380,000" Rolls-Royce 4]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/02/more-details-on-380-000-rolls-royce-4/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/02/more-details-on-380-000-rolls-royce-4/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/02/more-details-on-380-000-rolls-royce-4/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of RR4 spy shots

Auto Telegraaf reports a tidbit on the coming Rolls-Royce 4 that would make the car something special indeed: it claims the car will cost €380,000. If true, that would make it the second priciest car in the Rolls-Royce line-up, with only the Phantom LWB a scant €20,000 ahead of it. Rolls-Royce CEO Tom Purves did say that the newest model would be "more expensive than any Bentley," but we don't think he meant that expensive.

The actual price will probably be around half of that, €190,000 in Europe, $250,000 or so in the U.S. In addition to coupe and convertible variants to follow its introduction, the car is slated to fit a wide range of powerplants for a Roller: BMW's V12 and turbocharged V8 are in the picture, and diesel and hybrid lumps are on the table. And soon we won't need to call it by its codename any more; the car is rumored to wear the Silver Ghost moniker.

Gallery: Rolls Royce RR4 - spy shots II


[Source: Auto Telegraaf (translated) via Global Motors]

More details on "?380,000" Rolls-Royce 4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Feb 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>rolls roycerolls royce rr4rolls-roycerolls-royce rr4Rolls-royceRr4RollsRoyceRollsRoyceRr4rr4rumormillsaloonsedansilver ghostSilverGhostMon, 02 Feb 2009 09:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumormill: Lexus LS could get a V6]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/01/rumormill-lexus-ls-could-get-a-v6/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/01/rumormill-lexus-ls-could-get-a-v6/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/01/rumormill-lexus-ls-could-get-a-v6/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The Lexus LS is supposedly in line for a V6 engine. The suggested powerplant is Toyota's 3.5-liter unit tuned to produce 310 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque. A comparable car would be BMW's 740i, offered in Europe with a 3.0-liter inline putting out 326 horses and 332 lb-ft. The Toyota's numbers are down slightly, but since the V8-powered LS460 already weighs less than the BMW 740i, the additional weight savings of a Lexus V6 should allow it to move along just fine.

If a V6 LS does bow with the coming, facelifted car, we might not see it in America. The trend among automakers is not to bring their frugal luxury to our shores; BMW also offers its 7 Series in Europe with a 3.0-liter diesel, for example. On the other hand, the six-cylinder LS could help dress up Lexus's CAFE numbers, and assuming California's new, more restrictive emissions standards get the green light, we think that might make a V6 LS even more likely.

[Source: Paul Tan]

Rumormill: Lexus LS could get a V6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 Feb 2009 19:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lexuslexus lslexus ls350lexus ls460LexusLsLexusLs350LexusLs460lsrumormillsaloonsedanSun, 01 Feb 2009 19:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Toyobaru delayed until 2012 or later]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/22/report-toyobaru-delayed-until-2012-or-later/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/22/report-toyobaru-delayed-until-2012-or-later/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/22/report-toyobaru-delayed-until-2012-or-later/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The rumors of the sports car that Toyota and Subaru were working on have been replaced by rumors that the car has been put on hold. Earlier news had posited a rear-wheel-drive sports car with "wonderful style," based on the current Subaru Legacy platform, with a boxer engine putting out around 200 hp through a six-speed manual. Originally due in 2011, now, according to Nikkei, the car has been pushed back to at least 2012. If things get worse before they get better, we have a feeling that 2012 will also come and go without Toyota fielding another dedicated sports car entrant. So move along, folks, there's nothing to see here, please return to your Camrys and cue up Queen: another one bites the dust...

[Source: Bloomberg]

Report: Toyobaru delayed until 2012 or later originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Dec 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fuji heavy industriesFujiHeavyIndustriesjapanrumormillsports carSportsCarsubarusubaru sports carsubaru toyotaSubaruSportsCarSubaruToyotatoyotatoyota sports carToyotaSportsCarMon, 22 Dec 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumormill: Could Lexus become a hybrid-only brand?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/10/rumormill-could-lexus-become-a-hybrid-only-brand/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/10/rumormill-could-lexus-become-a-hybrid-only-brand/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/10/rumormill-could-lexus-become-a-hybrid-only-brand/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



This could be Japanese-only news, or just a case of bad translation, but Toyota Managing Officer Toshio Furutani has apparently told Japan's Nikkei Business News that Toyota wants every vehicle in the Lexus product line to offer a hybrid option, and that "in the medium to long term, Toyota was considering making the Lexus lineup hybrid-only."

That sounds like he could mean Lexus, period, all over the world. But our questions come from the fact that the same report said that the Nikkei listed only the LS and GS models as currently available with a hybrid option, neglecting to mention the RX. And the fact that for Lexus to offer only hybrids in the U.S. would be an eyebrow-arching brand decision. Not that there isn't anyone out there in the market for a hybrid IS-F, but would you really risk it? We'll wait for a follow-up from someone at Toyota, or we'll just assume Furutani's comments were meant for other ears than ours.

[Source: Reuters]

Rumormill: Could Lexus become a hybrid-only brand? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Oct 2008 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternativegreenhybrid synergy drivehybridsHybridSynergyDrivejapanlexuslexus hybridLexusHybridrumormilltoyotaFri, 10 Oct 2008 19:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumormill: BMW working on twin-turbo four-cylinder?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/09/rumormill-bmw-working-on-twin-turbo-four-cylinder/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/09/rumormill-bmw-working-on-twin-turbo-four-cylinder/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/09/rumormill-bmw-working-on-twin-turbo-four-cylinder/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Here's a juicy one. BMW Blog reports that it has two unnamed, independent sources who have spoken of a high-revving (how does 11,000 rpm sit with you?) new four-cylinder being developed for use in the 1-series. The power target of this fantasy mill is said to be 220 to 260 horsepower, and it would theoretically be offered in both naturally aspirated and twin-turbocharged forms.

If this rumor actually comes to pass (something that is far from guaranteed, to say the least), we're told to expect a 2010 release. Take it all with a very healthy dose of salt. That said, squeezing more power out of less engine is going to be a continuing trend as governments tighten the screws regarding fuel economy and emissions targets, so efforts from BMW in this realm wouldn't be the least bit surprising. We hope this rumor comes true, if only to be able to point to a shiny new 1-series coupe and say, "Ours goes to eleven... thousand."

[Source: BMW Blog]

Rumormill: BMW working on twin-turbo four-cylinder? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Apr 2008 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmw TT four-cylinderBmwTtFour-cylinderrumormilltwin-turbo four-cylinderTwin-turboFour-cylinderWed, 09 Apr 2008 11:27:00 EST