Autoblog

Syrena Sport returns as rebodied Nissan 370Z

Zach Bowman — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 09:15:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Nissan, Design/Style

We wouldn't hold it against you if you'd never heard of the FSO Syrena Sport. FSO built the long-enduring Syrena for some 17 years nonstop, and while the machines were mostly plodding family sedans, engineers at FSO did create one version with a bit more zest. The Syrena Sport was a two-door coupe that borrowed design cues from Ferrari and was powered by a two-cylinder, air-cooled boxer engine. While originally intended for production, economic woes kept the machine from ever seeing the light of day.

Now, the Syrena Sport is back, though in a slightly different configuration. Entrepreneur Rafal Czubaj has resurrected the name for a special one-off creation designed by Pavlo Burkatskyy. This time around, there is no oddball boxer under the hood, however. Czubaj chose to use the underpinnings from the Nissan 370Z, complete with its 3.7-liter V6 engine. Buyers can choose between a 330-horsepower tune or a 450-hp iteration, and with a curb weight of 2,865 pounds, the car should be plenty quick. Expect acceleration to 60 miles per hour in around 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 180 mph.

Syrena Sport returns as rebodied Nissan 370Z originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport [w/video]

Michael Harley — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Bugatti, New Car Reviews

Getting Intimate With The Supercar On A 479-Mile Road Trip

It's nearly impossible to secure seat time in a Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport. Not only are they hard to find (production volume in the low hundreds makes the supercar as rare as active members of the Right Said Fred fan club), but the $2 million sticker price dissuades most owners from handing over their sacred keys. When an opportunity to drive one of the world's fastest vehicles does present itself, it is most often a short jaunt on a restricted route, as each mile on the odometer is understandably very precious.

But some of us do win the lottery.

As luck would have it, Bugatti North America was entering a factory-supported vehicle in the Goldrush Rally. The cross-country jaunt would be following a discontinuous route from Beverly Hills to Miami and the automaker was looking for someone to drive the first long leg. With a solemn poker face hiding my giddiness, I accepted the invite.

One expects a supercar experience and the sensationalized bloody fast acceleration - the Veyron delivered both - but I didn't realize the Bugatti would reveal so much more about its true personality during my extended date.

Continue reading Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport [w/video]

Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Oct 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Europe goes further with American vehicles

Scott Burgess — Thu, 06 Sep 2012 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, SUV, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Work, Crossover, Hatchback, Ford, Design/Style, Electric

Just weeks before the Paris Motor Show, Ford Motor Co. has taken the wraps off of much of its new lineup for Europe in an effort to shore up its efforts for European dealers. The webcast press conference from Amsterdam ended with the official announcement that the Dearborn, Michigan-based car maker will officially make the Mustang available for Autobahn runs and cobble stone street drifting.

"We'll have more details on the Mustang coming to Europe later this year," CEO Alan Mulally said, as he stood before a crowd of more than 2,500 dealers, enthusiasts and reporters. Thousands more watched him and other key Ford executives tout the company's accelerated plans to introduce more global vehicles to Europe.

The Old Country has been problematic in recent years as its stagnant economy has cost automakers billions. Ford lost $404 million in Europe in the second quarter of 2012 and expects Europe to continue to drag down the company's global profitability in the near future. But instead of going on the defensive, Ford has launched its own path to prosperity, Mulally said. The company can't afford to try the same old formulas.

"Six years ago, we developed our One Ford plan," Mulally said, "Now, we're bringing that plan to Europe."

Scroll down to continue reading.

Continue reading Ford Europe goes further with American vehicles

Ford Europe goes further with American vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Overfinch does terrible things to Range Rover Sport, Evoque

Zach Bowman — Sun, 12 Aug 2012 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, SUV, Land Rover, UK, Design/Style, Luxury

Well, now. This is different. The minds at Overfinch have turned their attention to the Land Rover stable and have cooked up a couple of, um, unique versions of both the Range Rover Sport and the Range Rover Evoque. We can certainly get behind the notion of the GTS-X, a slammed Sport with 575 horsepower at the driver's beck and call. While the front fascia is a little garish, the bright orange paint and colossal split-spoke rollers are just demented enough to tickle our fancy. Of course, for $230,100, it better.

Then there's the ~~purple people eater~~ Evoque. Overfinch saddled the interior with white leather, bolted on a set of 22-inch wheels and dipped the whole concoction in some very purple paint. We can't say that's a direction we would have gone, but we can also safely assume we aren't Overfinch's target demographic, either. Both creations will be at the Salon Prive London starting September 5. Check out the full press release below.

Continue reading Overfinch does terrible things to Range Rover Sport, Evoque

Overfinch does terrible things to Range Rover Sport, Evoque originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 12 Aug 2012 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jaguar spruces up the XJ with Sport and Speed packs

Noah Joseph — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Jaguar, UK, Luxury

Jaguar has long been a company of split personalities. On one hand are the luxury sedans that shuttle British cabinet ministers around London and investment bankers to the country club. On the other are the sport coupes that stick it to the world's finest on racing circuits and bar-stools the world over. But those two are getting closer and closer all the time. The GTs are getting more luxurious, and the sedans are getting sportier. So while Jaguar seems to roll out upgraded specs for its XKR with regularity, those on the four-door side of the Coventry equation can stop longing from afar with the latest options packages for the XJ line.

The offerings, in typical Jag style, are split in two: the Sport pack and the Speed pack. The former upgrades the styling, aerodynamics and rolling stock of the big cat with new bumpers front and rear, 20-inch alloys and red brake calipers, plus available sport buckets seats up front and a new array of cabin trim options. The Speed pack, meanwhile, tinkers with the electronic speed limiter to raise top end from 155 miles per hour to 174.

The packages are being released first in Jaguar's home market but should make it to American dealers shortly. In the meantime you can check out the full details in the press release after the jump and the quartet of high-res images for a closer look.

Jaguar spruces up the XJ with Sport and Speed packs originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Nov 2011 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi teams up with Renovo to build... hardwood bicycles?!

Aaron Richardson — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 12:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Audi, Design/Style

2011 Audi duoCity - Click above for high-res image gallery

Renovo is a Portland, Oregon-based bicycle company that builds custom high-end bike frames exclusively from hardwood. For 2011, Renovo has teamed with Audi to produce the duo, a limited-run bike that uses a wood monocoque frame. Audi says the bikes are designed to show its commitment to sustainability and forward thinking.

According to Audi, wood is about 75 percent lighter per cubic inch than aluminum, and is just as stiff and durable while offering a shock-absorbing ride. The woods used mirror those Audi uses to decorate the interiors of its cars, providing a tidy aesthetic connection between the two companies.

The duo comes in three models: the duoCity, duoSport and duoRoad. The City and Sport models use an internal-gear belt-driven hub for space efficiency and ease of maintenance, while the Road model has a more traditional SRAM Red derailleur set up.

The wood frames are individually hand-built, and are bedecked with some seriously high-end components. Translation: they're expensive. The City model is the cheapest, at $6,530, followed by the Sport at $7,350 and the Road at $7,460.

Gallery: 2011 Audi duo

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi teams up with Renovo to build... hardwood bicycles?!

Audi teams up with Renovo to build... hardwood bicycles?! originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 03 Apr 2011 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva Preview: MercedesSport individualization program

Noah Joseph — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

MercedesSport E-Class - Click above for high-res image gallery

"Sporty" is a relative term. Some might consider a base Mercedes-Benz "sporty" enough. AMG drivers would undoubtedly beg to differ. But there's a big gap between the two, one that Benz is keen to bridge. The German automaker has already done that in part with various AMG appearance packages, but now it's taking things a step further with the new MercedesSport accessory line.

Offered initially on the new E-Class - in all its iterations, including sedan, wagon, coupe and convertible - the MercedesSport package upgrades with a ground-effects aero kit, spoilers, and 18-inch alloys in glossy black or chrome. Upgraded brakes and suspension are also available, along with interior trim upgrades.

Packages are in the works as well for other models in the Mercedes range, but you can read about this one in the press release after the jump and check out the images in the gallery below ahead of the program's debut at the Geneva Motor Show.

Gallery: MercedesSport E-Class

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Geneva Preview: MercedesSport individualization program

Geneva Preview: MercedesSport individualization program originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Living with the Tesla Roadster Sport: One week in an electric light orchestra

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Tesla, New Car Reviews, Electric

2010 Tesla Roadster Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

After finally getting myself situated in the back of the Boeing, I notice the lady to my left wearing a Tesla fleece. As fate, the alignment of the stars and unbridled dumb luck would have it, I was seated next to Rachel Konrad, Tesla's Senior Manager of Communications... for the next 10 hours.

After exchanging pleasantries, discussing each other's plans for the Frankfurt Motor Show and getting acquainted, the topic of conversation naturally turned to cars, and the Tesla Roadster, in particular.

"It's not just about performance," an overly animated Konrad told me. "What journalists don't understand is how functional it is. Owners forget to clean their windshield because they never have to go to the gas station!"

Okay, sure. But if you're selling a vehicle that starts at $109,000, you're interested in more than avoiding dirty hands at the pump. You want the full sports car monty. Power, poise, engagement, the lot. And a bit of green cred to boot surely doesn't hurt.

So after several hours of discussion, I finally say, "Hand it over to us for a week. We'll give it a proper review on its day-to-day livability. No track tests. No slalom speeds. No smoky burnouts. Just a comprehensive assessment of functionality."

A handful of phone calls and dozens of emails later, I arrive at Tesla's flagship dealership in Menlo Park, CA to pick up a full-kitted 2010 Tesla Roadster Sport. After a tutorial on the charging procedure, the internal computer and signing my life away, I was off. The Roadster was mine for the next five days, so I promptly pulled off into a bus stop, set a destination for the coast, disabled the traction control and laid a set of elevens down the street from the dealership.

Ladies and gentlemen, it pays to fly coach.

Follow the jump to keep reading...

Gallery: Review: 2010 Tesla Roadster Sport

Continue reading Living with the Tesla Roadster Sport: One week in an electric light orchestra

Living with the Tesla Roadster Sport: One week in an electric light orchestra originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Feb 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Porsche readying Carrera 4-based super 911 for 2010 intro?

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 18:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Porsche, Rumormill

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.

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2010 BMW 1 Series gets two new engines abroad, additional trim levels

Chris Shunk — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, BMW

2010 BMW 1-Series - Click above for high-res image gallery

The BMW 1-Series is a much bigger deal in Europe than it is here in the States. In the US, we can choose among the 128 and 135, and both options come standard with a six-cylinder engine. Overseas, you can pick up the 1 with two, three, four or five doors, and with a wide variety of four cylinder gasoline and diesel powertrains.

To keep the good times rolling, team Bimmer is again expanding the 1-Series lineup for 2010. Two new models, the Lifestyle and Sport models, will offer RWD performance in a three- or five-door package beginning this September. The Lifestyle model offers special edition Marrakesh Brown Metallic paint, unique brown body color interior components, chrome-tipped exhaust and 17-inch light aluminum rims. The Sport model includes the M Sports Package, with a sports tuned suspension, unique dual spoke aluminum rims, stainless steel pedals, and an M steering wheel and gearshift lever.

On the engine front, a pair of 2.0-liter engines find their way under the bonnet of a 1-Series. The petrol engine utilizes direct injection tech and packs 170 ponies to go along with 155 lb-ft. With the gas-powered 2.0-liter engine, the 1-Series can hit 60 in 7.8 seconds, and it carries a top speed of 149 mph.

The diesel variant packs 143 hp and 221 lb-ft, helping to propel the 118d to 60 in nine seconds. The story of merit is fuel economy and CO2 emissions, where where it achieves 4.5 liters/100 kilometers (about 52 mpg US) and a CO2 emission rating of 119 grams per kilometer. Hit the jump for more info from BMW's painfully detailed press release.

Gallery: 2010 1-Series Sport, Lifestyle

Continue reading 2010 BMW 1 Series gets two new engines abroad, additional trim levels

2010 BMW 1 Series gets two new engines abroad, additional trim levels originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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That's a Good Sport: Ford offers sport package on European Fiesta

Noah Joseph — Sun, 03 May 2009 17:35:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Ford, UK

Ford Fiesta Sport - Click above to view in high resolution

After having driven Ford's latest Fiesta both in Europe and in North America, we came away duly impressed. The only tangible thing we longed for was a more sport-oriented chassis. And while we may have to wait a little longer to receive the diminutive hatchback on this side of the Atlantic altogether, at least European customers have received what we wished for.

While sport packages offered on competing products tend to be little more than cosmetics, the new Sport trim level on the Ford Fiesta incorporates a tighter suspension, dropped by 9 milimeters. Visually the Sport model is distinguished by a different grille, ground effects package (including front and rear aprons, side skirts and diffuser), 16" wheels and darkened headlamps. Among the bundled options found inside the cabin are leather-wrapped sports steering wheel and shifter, plus the key inclusion of an ESP Off switch for more spirited, less restricted driving. The package is available to European customers with either of three engines: the 96hp 1.4-liter four, 120hp 1.6-liter four or 90hp 1.6-liter turbodiesel. And while that may not amount to a proper ST or RS hot hatch, it's not a bad start.

[Source: CarScoop]

That's a Good Sport: Ford offers sport package on European Fiesta originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 03 May 2009 17:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2009 Honda Fit Sport is still frugal, slightly less fun

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Budget, Hatchback, Honda, New Car Reviews

2009 Honda Fit Sport - Click above for high-res gallery

Evolution's a funny thing. We like our thumbs, enjoy walking upright and are thankful Ivanka Trump doesn't have a tail (although there's some debate about where she hides her horns), but when adaptation turns to automobiles, Darwin's dictum occasionally goes astray. There's a long list of vehicles we would love to see stay the same, but we understand that consumer demand and government regulation forces automakers to add amenities and tack on the pounds. The 2009 Honda Fit Sport is a perfect case-study.

Compared to the original Fit that landed on our shores in 2006, Honda's sophomore effort is larger, more spacious and marginally more powerful. But when you sit down with the spec sheet there are only a few "improvements" worth getting excited about. After spending a week with the 2009 model, we found that while evolution is good, some things need to stay the same. Make the jump to find out why.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Honda Fit Sport

Continue reading Review: 2009 Honda Fit Sport is still frugal, slightly less fun

Review: 2009 Honda Fit Sport is still frugal, slightly less fun originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Mar 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva Preview: Mitsubishi i MiEV SPORT AIR concept

Alex Nunez — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 13:32:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Green, Mitsubishi

Click above for a hi-res gallery of i MiEV Sport Air renderings

In March at the Geneva Motor Show, Mitsubishi will unveil the i MiEV SPORT AIR concept, which refines the ideas first displayed in the Tokyo 2007 i MIEV Sport show car.

Details are thin at the moment, but the styling has obviously been tweaked, there's a "clear cutaway" roof, and power comes from a stronger electric motor. The focus with the i MiEV SPORT AIR, as with the preceding i MiEV Sport, is on a more dynamic driving experience.The official press release talks of a low center of gravity and "instant torque" almost as much as it does zero emissions motoring. One wonders whether Mitsubishi has a production version in the pipeline, ready to follow the regular i MiEV. After all, why else would they make a second, more refined-looking version of a 2007 concept?

Gallery: Mitsubishi i MIEV Sport Air

[Source: Mitsubishi]

Geneva Preview: Mitsubishi i MiEV SPORT AIR concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Jan 2009 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty: Tesla Roadster Sport

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Hybrid, Performance, Green

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Tesla Roadster Sport

Tesla hasn't released any more details on the Roadster Sport, but it has released a handful of renderings depicting what the Elise-based EV will look like when it goes on sale in June.

As a refresher, the Tesla Roadster Sport is an upgrade package that includes a new hand-wound stator that increases torque, resulting in a claimed 0-60 time of 3.7 seconds - 0.2 seconds faster than the standard model. Adjustable dampers and anti-roll bars are fitted underneath and a set of grippy Yokohama Advan A048s - the same tires mounted on the Elise/Exige - are wrapped around dark finish Tesla wheels. Tesla includes unique "sport" badging to the Roadster and pricing has been set at $128,500 in the U.S. Customers that have already placed an order for the standard Roadster can upgrade to Sport trim, but until we hear some revised skid pad numbers, get an independent confirmation on the 0-60 time and go for a drive, we'll keep our opinions about the validity of the Sport model to ourselves.

Hit the jump for the press release.

Gallery: Tesla Roadster Sport

Continue reading Pics Aplenty: Tesla Roadster Sport

Pics Aplenty: Tesla Roadster Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Jan 2009 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tesla Roadster Sport packs a little more punch for a lot more coin

Damon Lavrinc — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 12:57:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Hybrid, Green

With 150 Roadsters delivered to customers and another 1,100 people on the waiting list, Tesla decided now's the time to release a more performance-oriented version its Elise-based EV. The Tesla Roadster Sport features a hand-wound stator that increases winding density to help eliminate resistance while increasing peak torque. In conjunction with a set of Yokohama Ultra High Performance tires (likely the same Advan A048s fitted to the Elise/Exige), Tesla claims a 0-60 time of 3.7 seconds - 0.2-seconds faster than the standard Roadster. The Roadster Sport also benefits from a few other Lotus-derived components, including adjustable dampers and anti-roll bars that can be tweaked to suit the driver's tastes.

Deliveries of the Roadster Sport will begin in late June, with a starting price of $128,500 in the US and €112,000 (excluding VAT) in Europe. Customers on the waiting list for their "base" Roadster have the option to upgrade to the Sport model, but if you're looking for more stick, a nice set of Ohlins, some aftermarket sway bars and a new set of tires could be had for considerably less than the $28,000 premium of the Sport model.

Gallery: Jason Calacanis' Tesla Roadster

Continue reading Tesla Roadster Sport packs a little more punch for a lot more coin

Tesla Roadster Sport packs a little more punch for a lot more coin originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Jan 2009 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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All-new 2009 Honda Fit priced from $14,550

Michael Harley — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Hatchback, Honda

Click above for our high-res gallery of the 2009 Honda Fit Sport

Honda has announced that its all-new 2009 Fit, which we just drove for the first time, will go on sale next week with a MSRP starting at $14,550 (plus $670 destination), while the more premium Honda Fit Sport will start at $16,060 (plus destination). The standard powerplant will be a 1.5-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder rated at 117 hp mated to either a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic (with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters on the Fit Sport). The five-passenger Fit also earned EPA fuel economy ratings of 28/35 (city/highway) with the automatic transmission, and 27/33 with the 5-speed manual or automatic in the Fit Sport. All models feature standard air conditioning, AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA audio system with four speakers, power windows, power mirrors, and power door locks. The Fit Sport (shown above) adds alloy wheels, aero kit, alarm, keyless entry, and an upgraded audio system. In fact, the top shelf Fit Sport with navigation and a 5-speed automatic starts at $18,760, which makes it one of the greatest bangs for your buck in our book.

Gallery: 2009 Honda Fit Sport

[Source: Honda]

Continue reading All-new 2009 Honda Fit priced from $14,550

All-new 2009 Honda Fit priced from $14,550 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Porsche Cayman S Sport

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:32:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Europe, Porsche, Misc. Auto Shows, UK

The Porsche Cayman is due for a makeover, and to coincide with the automaker's 60th anniversary, Porsche will be offering a Sport version of its mid-engine coupe as a fitting send off before the next generation arrives in 2009.

CarTribe is reporting that the Cayman S Sport will be equipped with some of the same kit featured on the Boxster S Sport, including a chronos package, upgraded brakes and suspension, along with a two-tone paint scheme that could ape the Porsche 911 GT3. Power upgrades will be nominal and pricing is expected to be around £47,000 in the UK. Porsche might roll out the Cayman S Sport at the London Motor Show this week, but it's more likely to be soft launched later this year.

Gallery: Review: 2008 Porsche Cayman S

[Source: CarTribe via WCF]

Rumormill: Porsche Cayman S Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Redesigned Mitsubishi Pajero Sport coming to Moscow

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Europe, Mitsubishi, Misc. Auto Shows

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.

Like every other automaker under the sun, Mitsubishi is in the process of expanding its reach into Russia. In 2007, the automaker offloaded over 100,000 vehicles in the world's largest country (size, not population) and is looking to sell approximately 140,000 units this year.

Not surprisingly, it's chosen the Moscow Auto Show in August to unveil the next generation Pajero Sport SUV, before sales begin in South-East Asia, South America, Australia and the Middle East later this year.

The new Pajero Sport (or Challenger, depending on the market) is packing all the "active lifestyle" accoutrements you'd expect, including water-repellent seats, 2- or 3-row seating that can accommodate between five and seven passengers, and a waterproof luggage compartment that will come in handy after you've hiked through the volcanoes of Kamchatka.

Power will be provided by either a 2.5- or 3.2-liter common rail diesel, or if oilburners aren't your taste, a 3.5-liter V6 can send power to all four wheels through Mitsubishi's Super Select 4WD system. However, don't expect to see the Pajero in the U.S. or Europe anytime soon.

The press release is available after the jump.

Gallery: 2009 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Continue reading Redesigned Mitsubishi Pajero Sport coming to Moscow

Redesigned Mitsubishi Pajero Sport coming to Moscow originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jul 2008 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi planning TT and R8 lightweight "Sport" models

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 14:04:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Europe, Supercars, Audi

There's no denying that Audi is planning more variants of the TT and R8, but most of the speculation revolves around fitting both models with high-output engines to produce RS variants. The TT-RS is expected to house a turbocharged, five-cylinder engine making around 350 hp and the R8 will benefit from some form of forced induction, with either a V8 or V10 mill taking the place of the stock 4.2-liter V8 - not to mention the V12 TDI mill. But what about weight reduction?

According to Inside Line, Audi is considering "Sport" variants of both models, a concept that was executed back in 2005 with the introduction of the TT Quattro Sport, which featured a slight bump in power, revised suspension, Recaro thrones and nixed some of the superfluous material inside. Unfortunately, it never made it Stateside.

The new "Sport" versions of each model would use a similar philosophy, and in the case of the R8, that could mean a boost in power to around 500 hp, limiting some of the creature comforts like heated seats, climate control and stereo, and replacing the hood, engine cover, dash, doors and roof with carbon fiber components. And while Inside Line was speculating, they threw on some carbon ceramic brakes for good measure. All told, that could drop the R8's curb weight by some 200 pounds, dropping its 0-60 time into the high three-second range and paying dividends in the handling department. Inside Line expects both models to make it to production next year as 2010 models, although distribution in the U.S. is still an open question.

[Source: InsideLine]

Audi planning TT and R8 lightweight "Sport" models originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Apr 2008 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Renaultsport Twingo 120

Noah Joseph — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 19:02:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Europe, Hatchback, Renault

Anyone who knows hot hatches knows that Renault is king. While other championship-winning automakers put their racing experience into six-figure supercars, Renaultsport puts its into grocery-haulers to turn out such splendidly chuckable pocket-rockets as the Clio 197 and Megane 225. Evidently firmly entrenched in the belief that good things come in small packages, Renault's performance racing division is turning its attention to the company's latest - and smallest - little Euro-runner, the redesigned Twingo.

These candid spy shots show that the Twingo has clearly been hitting the gym, with flared wheel arches and new bumpers. Power is tipped to come from a reworked version of the Twingo GT's 1.2-liter turbocharged four, massaged to produce 120 hp, 20 more than stock and hitting the magic 100-horsepower-per-liter mark. That'd be good for a 0-60 run in about 8.5 seconds, and with an anticipated UK price tag of around £12,500 it'd make a solid competitor to the likes of the Suzuki Swift Sport, Fiat Panda 100HP and Ford SportKa.

Speculation says it will be unveiled at the upcoming Geneva show in March, and based on the apparent readiness seen in the spy shots, we'd call that a good bet and will bring you more from the show floor in three months' time.

[Source: Auto Express]

Spy Shots: Renaultsport Twingo 120 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Jan 2008 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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