Autoblog

REPORT: Ferrari working on radical new door opening

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Ferrari, Rumormill

As if scissor doors, gullwings, butterflies and those crazy Koenigsegg pivoters weren't enough to separate exotics from lesser cars, Ferrari is said to be working on another new door design that is both radical and practical. Go figure.

Autocar came across a patent filing showing a few diagrams depicting this unique door setup. What sets it apart is the fact that the new Ferrari door includes part of the front fender and hinges upward like the butterfly door from a LeMans racer. Apparently the opening is large enough and shaped in such a way that "occupants can place their foot directly behind the front wheel."

According to the patent application, that will make ingress and egress much easier for passengers in low-slung supercars, though the new door design is said to work just as well on front engined cars as it does for vehicles with their engines mounted aft or amidships. Even better, this design and its unique hinges are reported to be "easy and cost-effective to make," which should make it easier for the Dodge Chargers of SEMA circa 2012 to get in on the fun too.

We're still seeing an issue with the A-pillar and windscreen, but it looks interesting. We'll be sure to keep an eye out for any photos of these funky doors, but for now we're stuck wondering how hard it was for Ferrari engineers to use the supplied British sports car diagram in order to submit their application form.

Gallery: Ferrari's radical new doors

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Ferrari working on radical new door opening originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda CEO: We will build affordable and green sports cars, not like the Lexus LF-A

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:59:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Tokyo Motor Show, Honda

Following our time visiting this week's Tokyo Motor Show, we had the opportunity to sit down for a small group interview at Honda's world headquarters with freshly-minted CEO Takanobu Ito, who took over the reigns at Honda from Takeo Fukui just this past June. Among the questions posed to Ito-san was "When will Americans see another performance car from Honda?" Honda has a tradition of performance vehicles and motorsports participation that goes back to the earliest days of the company. Ito himself was the chief body engineer on the original NSX and was pivotal in the development of its lightweight aluminum structure and body.

Given his role in one of the more unique aspects of the NSX, it was interesting that Ito acknowledged that he personally made the decision to pull the plug last year on the new car that was being developed as a successor to the NSX. Ito actually sounded as though he was channeling Colin Chapman in explaining the philosophy of using low mass to achieve a good power to weight ratio on the NSX. That approach allowed Honda to create a car that was "easy to drive, good performance and at the same time it enjoyed very good fuel economy."

However, reaching those goals required a significant investment in new manufacturing technology.

Ito went on to say that there were two challenges that must be overcome in order for a new sports car from Honda to become a reality. Read on after the jump.

Continue reading Honda CEO: We will build affordable and green sports cars, not like the Lexus LF-A

Honda CEO: We will build affordable and green sports cars, not like the Lexus LF-A originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is still the drive of our childhood dreams

Chris Paukert — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Mazda, Reviews

2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata - Click above for high-res image gallery

Remember back when you were a diapered enthusiast-to-be and you weren't allowed to venture beyond the end of your family's tree lawn? The sum total of your 'driving' experience was probably a Little Tikes Cozy Coupe. If you were like us, your toddler self was all big dreams, bustling feet and arms akimbo, twirling around those front caster wheels, savoring your first taste of automotive freedom.

Mazda created a timeless masterwork upon minting the very first MX-5 Miata back in 1989.

Small wonder, then, that Little Tikes' now 30-year-old bauble of rotation-molded plastic was last year's best-selling car - it's timeless. Combine classic styling, unburstable robustness, an inexpensive sticker price and the fact that it remains just quick enough for its target audience, and you've got a recipe for lasting success. The CC's whimsical, animated face; rounded, friendly styling; unfussed interior; nimble handling and general affordability has meant that despite a decidedly casual model update schedule, the folks at Little Tikes still have the whole fun-to-drive thing knocked. Sound like anyone else we know?

Oh, it may have taken them a decade longer to cotton on to the idea, but Mazda's designers eventually stumbled upon the same secret sauce as those wondrous toymakers from Hudson, Ohio. Perhaps inadvertently, they, too, created a timeless masterwork upon minting the very first MX-5 Miata back in 1989. All these years later, just like the Cozy Coupe, you can't help but smile a little when you see one. Just like the Cozy Coupe, you have to adopt the same mildly vulnerable, elbows-out-the-window driving position because of the cabin's pronounced narrowness. Just like the Cozy Coupe, both cars have more than their fair share of plastic in their interior. Just like the Cozy Coupe, road imperfections are transmitted directly through the modestly sized wheels into the driver's hands and back pocket - and in both cases, it's part of the fun. Most importantly, just like that Cozy Coupe of your youth, Mazda's minimalist masterwork will help you rediscover your inner enthusiast's childlike heart.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Continue reading Review: 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is still the drive of our childhood dreams

Review: 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is still the drive of our childhood dreams originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Marussia, Russia's first supercar headed for international debut at Frankfurt

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 20:07:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Performance, Russia

Marussia B2 teaser - Click above for high-res image gallery

The hybrid Marussia B1 was unveiled last year, and can now be ordered for €100,000 (about $146,000 USD) while it is being prepared for serial production. Two of them will be on display at next week's the Frankfurt Motor Show alongside the company's latest car, the Marussia B2, being teased in the photo above. We don't know anything about the new model except that it has been "created in the style of a jet fighter."

Feel free to glean all the details you can in the peek-a-boo shots below, and stay tuned for the complete picture next week when we get to Frankfurt. Hat tip to Gregor!

Gallery: Marussia B2 Teasers

Gallery: Marussia B1

[Source: CarDesign.ru (translated)]

Marussia, Russia's first supercar headed for international debut at Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 Sep 2009 20:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It's official: Volkswagen not bringing Scirocco to U.S.

Chris Paukert — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 15:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Hatchback, Volkswagen

2009 Volkswagen Scirocco - Click above for high-res gallery

Word leaked late last week via an official-looking dealer communiqué that Volkswagen had finally decided to pass on bringing the Scirocco to the U.S., but to the best of our knowledge, nobody has gotten first-hand confirmation that the sporty hatchback will not make it across The Pond - until now.

We just got off the phone with Tom Wegehaupt, Volkswagen' of America's public relations coordinator, and he has given us an on-the-record confirmation that the car will not be coming to the U.S. Apparently, the business case just couldn't be made for the car, what with fears of the model cannibalizing sales of the forthcoming GTI and the health of the auto market.

We imagine that other factors were at work too, including the sour economy at large, America's historic aversion to hatchbacks, the short shelf-life of most sports-car models, and so on. Either way, if you want a sporting hatch from Wolfsburg, it looks like you're going to have to slake your performance joneses with something badged G-T-I.

Gallery: 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco

It's official: Volkswagen not bringing Scirocco to U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A GT-R more wicked than the Spec-V this way comes...?

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 10:55:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Supercars, Nissan, Specialty

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Nissan GT-R SpecV

When the Nissan GT-R SpecV was unveiled, we called it "Nissan's most super of supercars." We were, uh, mistaken. Inside Line spent a few fast days in Japan trying out the SpecV under the eye of the car's chief engineer, Kazutoshi Mizuno. At the end of it, he casually told them that "The SpecV, in contrast to what you might be thinking, is not the high-performance version of the GT-R."

So no matter what 'Ring time the GT-R SpecV posts next month, there's still another, quicker one coming. The question is, how is it coming? A stripped-out, lightweight trackie? More base horsepower and torque, instead of a time-limited torque booster? Rockets and lasers? We have our own ideas of what could trump the SpecV, but we look forward to finding out what The Creator himself has in mind. Hat tip to Jim.

[Source: Inside Line]

A GT-R more wicked than the Spec-V this way comes...? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Focus RS heads to 'Ring in search of a class record

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 13:32:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Hatchback, Ford, Renault, Specialty

2010 Ford Focus RS - Click above for high-res image gallery

Pretty soon, it seems like the start of Nürburgring lap time season will take its place on motorsports calendars the same way you find with Formula 1 and NASCAR. The 'Ring season officially began last week, and the title card pitted the 2009 Ford Focus RS against the Renaultsport Megane R26.R. The Ford's numbers are 297 hp and 324 lb-ft; the Renault posts 230 hp and 229 lb.-ft, and the Megane's time stands at 8:16.9 (not 8:12) on its Toyo track-friendly rubber.

For the first round, the detuned 250 hp Focus RS test car managed 8:27 on "standard Continental tires," so Ford is reportedly looking at the full-fat 297 hp car to do around 8:15. Word is if they can get that close, they'll consider adding the Toyo Cup tires to the customer options list, which could subtract at least three seconds from the Focus' time and allow it to take home the 'Ring trophy for hot hatches. Ford will be back at the 'Ring next week to give it a go. Cheating? Perhaps. Pointless? Maybe. Fun for us to watch? Definitely. Hat tip to yaroukh

Gallery: 2009 Ford Focus RS (blue)

Gallery: Renaultsport Megane R26.R

[Source: Driving Spirit]

Ford Focus RS heads to 'Ring in search of a class record originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: BMW Z2 gets green light, concept headed for Frankfurt

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Green, BMW

A little more information is out on the BMW Z2 that looks to be shown at this year's Frankfurt Auto Show. According to Auto Bild, the roadster built on the next 1 Series platform will be joined by a coupe variant, just like the previous Z4 - but unlike that car, the Z2 will be a radical rethink.

The car is the standard-bearer of BMW's Project i family, a front-engined, rear-drive car with a target weight of 1,000 kilograms (2,200 pounds) and containing cost-effective green and weight-saving technologies. Powerplants are expected to be a 1.6-liter four-cylinder turbo with direct injection and anywhere from 150 to 200 horsepower, a range-extended hybrid, and an all-electric setup with lithium-ion batteries.

According to one estimate, the base Z2 is expected to start at about €30,000 (nearly $41,000 USD), with the electric version going for €50,000 (almost $68,000 USD), largely because of the additional cost of the battery pack. (Note that all figures are based on Europe's comparatively inflated pricing structure).

The car is due for sale in 2012 or 2013.

[Source: Auto Bild (translated) via BMW Blog]

REPORT: BMW Z2 gets green light, concept headed for Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: BMW Z10 ED to tackle Audi R8

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Green, Supercars, BMW

The BMW Z10 ED -- Efficient Dynamics -- is a green supercar that's out to get the Audi R8. Tech specs are hypothesized to be a high-pressure turbocharged inline six cylinder with 400 hp that would use either a mechanical valve system or BMW's VANOS system, and run through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Along with electronic stop/start aids, there would be technology to turn exhaust gasses into electricity. With the use of plenty of carbon fiber and aluminum, the car is meant to weigh no more than 3,080 pounds.

Even though it hasn't stopped Ferrari and Lamborghini, lead BMW designer Adrian Van Hooydonk thinks it might be hard to sell the Z10 with a supercar body in a global recession. Most importantly, though, he wants the car to be a symbol of the future, and to offer an "exciting dynamic experience." We can't imagine the sketch is anything go by, unless he also wants the car to try and eat you.

[Source: Autocar]

Rendered Speculation: BMW Z10 ED to tackle Audi R8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Mar 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Will the new Focus be Ford's last RS?

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 19:25:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Ford, UK, Rumormill

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.

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Dang, Bubba! Secret Service nixes Tesla drive for Bill Clinton

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 09:32:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Performance, Etc., Government/Legal, Green

Former president Bill Clinton came this close to joining fellow politicos like Arnold Schwartzenegger and Gordon Brown as veterans of the Tesla Roadster Test Drive Club.

At a recent event put on by Shangri La Industries (a green building contractor) at Burbank's Bob Hope Airport, Clinton was on "Guest of Honor" and speech duty, exhorting all that could be good for business and the planet. But just as he was handed the keys and set free to experience the electric thrill that is the Tesla Roadster, the Secret Service stepped in and said playtime was over, it was time to go.

Knowing how much the ex-Prez loves adventure, and if, as it was claimed, Clinton has been into the green thing for 30 years, well, we imagine he'll be back for a spin.

[Source: Tesla Motors]

Dang, Bubba! Secret Service nixes Tesla drive for Bill Clinton originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Feb 2009 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva Preview: Caparo-baiting Fioravanti concept draws nigh

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 15:26:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Budget, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Supercars

Fioravanti has made a habit of showing interesting things at the Geneva Motor Show. This year it will reportedly be the LF1, a car built to demonstrate the application of Formula 1 design and build techniques to a production vehicle. Done up like the Caparo T1's open-air cousin, the LF1 doesn't look exactly like a production ca,r but we don't know anything further about it yet... except that we look forward to seeing it.

Fioravanti will also evidently be recycling another one of its Geneva concepts from 2000, the TRIS. A tiny subcompact that is also a display of novel build technologies, the car's two doors and hatch are identical, as are the headlights and taillights.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Geneva Preview: Caparo-baiting Fioravanti concept draws nigh originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Feb 2009 15:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Ferrari F450 prototype widened and scooped

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Spy Photos, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Supercars, Ferrari

The car codenamed F142 is going to be the Ferrari F450, successor to the current F430. Set on a modified F430 chassis with a wider front and rear track, the new car looks evolutionary but the changes aren't insubstantial. A 4.5-liter engine will be placed amidships, and its expected 500+ horsepower will need extra cooling. That means larger intakes, perhaps all around. In back, the exhaust could be routed through the large aperture in the diffuser. The car could be shown as early as this year's Frankfurt Auto Show, with the coupe going on sale as early as next year, with Scuderia and convertible versions following.

[Source: Global Motors]

Spy Shots: Ferrari F450 prototype widened and scooped originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Feb 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai Genesis Coupe goes on sale early - A few first impressions

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Hyundai

The first Genesis Coupe has landed in the driveway of Eager American Buyer Number One before Hyundai has even finished launching the car for the press, which is a slight reversal of things. In other words, the Korean automaker is actually ahead of schedule in launching its latest product. How refreshing.

Lucky for us, we managed to spend a few days in a Lime Rock Green Genesis Coupe before the press preview, and in that time we got some good first impressions of the car both on the street and at the track, in the rain and under the sun, on four wheels and two (just kidding, Hyundai).

We did our time in a 3.8-liter V6 with the track package. The car strikes a beautiful mix of pep and power from stoplight to stoplight, which is to say it will jump off the line but isn't frenetic while doing it. The shifter itself is oddly shaped, but the quality of the shifting is very good. The seats - except for the headrests - are supportive, comfy and pretty. The controls are also nicely placed and the stereo is a blast, but you'll need a minute to figure out all the buttons to operate it.

While on the track at Willow Springs, we were able to unchain the frenetic little devil that the Genesis Coupe keeps leashed around town. The steering wheel is the perfect size and provides plenty of feedback. The exhaust note, less than inspiring when you're nice to the car, finds its bellow when you stomp on the gas and let the revs climb. The brakes will keep up the good work for lap after lap after lap. The handling will even make a few other cars take note -- there's no "in it's price bracket" caveat here - and its rear-wheel-drive reflexes are nicely tuned. It is easy to get quick in the Genesis Coupe, and once there, it's pretty easy to stay quick.

Of course, there were a few details we wondered about: the headrests are canted so far forward, like they were designed for people with either long necks or little heads (NOTE: Hyundai has confirmed that the headrests do adjust for comfort, but you have to crank them all the way forward before they can go back) the car needs a rear window wiper in the worst way - trying to see out the back in the rain is to understand glaucoma; and long journeys on L.A. freeways was a less than thrilling experience - you'll be glad to have that stereo. Nevertheless, it is a fine proposition, and if Hyundai can give the four-cylinder the same balanced handling, then that's a car that will make us all tingly.

Stay tuned for our full report on the Genesis Coupe in a couple of weeks to find out.

Hyundai Genesis Coupe goes on sale early - A few first impressions originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Feb 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva Preview: Bentley goes green - really fast - with the Continental Supersports

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Green, Supercars, Bentley

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Bentley Continental Supersports

Bentley has decided to go green, and the fabulously white coupe you see above is how they've done it: "a muscular two-seater that delivers supercar performance and a highly focused driving experience." Sounds green so far, right? It's called the Continental Supersports, and the marque from Crewe hasn't merely pulled out all the stops... they created a few extra stops, just so they could pull them out as well.

Under the hood is the Supersports' main event: the most powerful engine Bentley has ever created, it is a 621 brake horsepower, 590 pound-feet of torque, E85-capable W12 that pulls the ghostly looking thing to 60 in just - ready for this? - 3.7 seconds. The engine is fitted with sensors to monitor how much gasoline and/or ethanol is being used, and power and torque stay constant no matter what the ratio is. Speaking of torque, all of it is available at the low, low rpm of 1,750. In case there's a Polaris rocket in the next lane you need to teach a few lessons.

While that engine might take the title card, there is a massively full undercard as well. That 3.7-second 0-to-60 flip is not only about the engine, it's about the fact that the car is 110 kilograms lighter than its 4-seater brethren. The Supersports has rear deck where back seats once resided, and it has also scored a raft of weight-saving components like the wheels and those carbon fiber thrones. It also benefits from Quickshift, which halves gear change times.

Of course, there are a gaggle of additional details, but you don't need us to tell you about it. There's a detailed press release after the jump, and a gallery of high-res photos below. If this is the future of green, *ahem,* yes, over here please.

Gallery: Bentley Continental Supersports

[Source: Bentley]

Continue reading Geneva Preview: Bentley goes green - really fast - with the Continental Supersports

Geneva Preview: Bentley goes green - really fast - with the Continental Supersports originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Jaguar XE sportscar to ride on bobbed XK platform?

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 10:56:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Jaguar, Rumormill

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.

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Tame That Bull: Lamborghini Academy opens

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Europe, Supercars, Lamborghini, Lifestyle

Click above for a high-res gallery of a winter session of the Lamborghini Academy

Lamborghini has opened its Lamborghini Academy, and the only words we have for it are "crazy steal." For the practically Wal-Mart price of €3,900 (just under $5,000 USD) you get accommodations, two days on the track at Vallelunga or Adria Raceway in Italy, a chance to pilot the Gallardo LP 560-4 and Murcielago LP 640, and video footage of your driving.

There are three courses: Track Academy, Advance Academy, and Winter Academy. Of course, you have to get to the Academy on your own dime, but once there you'll be trained in the driving Jedi arts of over- and understeer, the racing line, and controlled drifting, guided by Lambo's own instructors. This is one of those rare academic situations where everyone's trying to be valedictorian. You can check out the press release after the jump, and the Winter Wonderland gallery of pics below.

Gallery: Lamborghini Academy 2009

[Source: Lamborghini]

Continue reading Tame That Bull: Lamborghini Academy opens

Tame That Bull: Lamborghini Academy opens originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Camaro supplier sues GM right back

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Plants/Manufacturing, GM

The Cadence-and-Camaro saga continues. Cadence, which makes interior parts for the Camaro, declared bankruptcy last August. GM sued the supplier to recover the specialized tooling machines it could need in order to continue Camaro production - or will it need to have the machines made again. GM also refrained from paying Cadence $4.9 million that Cadence says it is owed for "parts, labor, and equipment."

Cadence has now countersued The General, not just to get the money, but because that money is an integral part of Cadence's liquidation plans. Without it, Cadence maintains there will be "substantial harm to Cadence's bankruptcy estate." The pre-production Camaros are already in the works, and we have no idea how this development will affect the production version of the car. This battle can't be good for either company, but it's especially bad news for all of the Camaro faithful who are patiently awaiting the return of their king. Thanks for the tip, Scot!

[Source: Reuters]

Camaro supplier sues GM right back originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Feb 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lamborghini Murcielago LP650-4 gets the roadster treatment

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 15:55:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Supercars, Lamborghini, Specialty

It was only a couple of days ago that we were telling you about another upgraded Lamborghini Murcielago expected to make its appearance at the Geneva Motor Show. Now we have word of yet another upgraded Murci, the LP-650 Roadster, that doesn't go all-out with the upgrades but will still make the supercar air that much rarer.

Only 50 examples will be made of this particular bull, and all will be Grigio Telesto with orange accents such as splitters and brake rotors. To remind the driver that he - or she - is there to drive, the pilot's seat comes in Alcantara Nera, while the passenger gets leather in Nero Perseus. The blacked-out theme is continued inside with black alcantara everywhere held together by Arancio Leonis stitching.

Don't bother waiting for Geneva to get a glimpse - you should probably just head straight for your bank account manager's office. You'll need €500,000.

[Source: Autoblog.nl]

Lamborghini Murcielago LP650-4 gets the roadster treatment originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Feb 2009 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva Preview: Mighty Morphin' iChange proves Rinspeed is up to its old tricks

Chris Paukert — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Technology

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Rinspeed iChange

From the gloriously fertile mind of Frank Rinderknecht comes the Rinspeed iChange, a shape-shifting zero-emissions concept car. As its name suggests, the iChange actually morphs its body shape depending on how many people are going to be onboard, thus optimizing its aerodynamic profile around the passenger load that is called for.

The Swiss auto designer's creations have always been a highlight of the Geneva Motor Show, from outsized roadsters with crazy paint jobs to cars that run on garbage and have tilting occupant cells to exoskeltal minimalist roadsters to Lotus Elise-based roadgoing submarines. Next month, we expect the iChange to be no different.

In the main, the lightweight (1,050 kilograms, or 2,315 pounds) zero-emissions iChange starts off as a one-seat sports car that is capable of changing to a three-seat coupe thanks to a pop-up rear end.

In the drivetrain department, the iChange is motivated by a 150-kilowatt motor, whose power is routed through a six-speed "pre-selector" gearbox which Rinspeed says is borrowed from Subaru's WRX. Juice storage is provided by one of two stack configurations of lithium-ion batteries, depending on whether short- or long-distance driving is planned. So-equipped, the iChange will whir its way to 100 kilometers-per-hour (62 miles-per-hour) in just over four seconds, topping out at 220 km/h (137 mph). The car's pure-electric drivetrain is further supplemented by a roof shingled in solar panels, which generates power that is stored in the batteries and also helps operate cooling fans to vent the interior.

Click on the jump for more details and a stupendously-large press release, and check out the 70+ image high-res gallery below.

Gallery: Geneva Preview: Rinspeed iChange concept

[Source: Rinspeed]

Continue reading Geneva Preview: Mighty Morphin' iChange proves Rinspeed is up to its old tricks

Geneva Preview: Mighty Morphin' iChange proves Rinspeed is up to its old tricks originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Feb 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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