Autoblog

Toyota GT 86 sports car revealed [w/video]

Alex Nunez — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 22:25:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Tokyo Motor Show, Toyota

It's no secret that the Toyota FT-86 will finally make its production-spec debut next week at the Tokyo Motor Show, and ahead of that, the automaker's UK office has released the first official photos and some initial specs. In Europe, the car will officially be called the Toyota GT 86. In Japan, however, the car will simply be called 86.

Cutting right to the chase, here are the specs that are now official, from the Toyota UK announcement. Obviously, there's more to come:

2.0-liter boxer with D4-S injection (direct and port injected)
197 hp @ 7,000 rpm and 151 lb-ft (205 Nm) @6,600 rpm
6-speed manual or automatic transmissions
17-inch wheel/tire package standard
4,240mm (167 in.) long, 1285mm (50.6 in.) high, 2,570mm (101 in.) wide
53:47 front-to-rear weight distribution
475mm (18.7 in.) center of gravity

As demonstrated in the photos, everything is basically in line with what we've seen so far in the various leaked materials. So, start getting excited. In addition to the sharp styling outside, the interior looks the business, and the "86" fender logo is just plain cool. The GT 86 goes on sale in the UK next June.

We'll be on hand in Tokyo for the official reveal at the end of the coming week, with plenty more then. In the meantime, peruse the photo gallery, then hit the jump for a video and the full press release.

Continue reading Toyota GT 86 sports car revealed [w/video]

Toyota GT 86 sports car revealed [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 26 Nov 2011 22:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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All 500 examples of the Porsche GT2 RS have been spoken for

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Porsche

2011 Porsche 911 GT2 RS - Click above for high-res image gallery

A limited-edtion, 620 horsepower sports car is quite an enticing piece of machinery. Porsche is building just 500 examples of its 2011 911 GT2 RS and - unsurprisingly - they're all spoken for. The twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter flat-six powered 911 can run from 0-62 miles per hour in just 3.5 seconds. If there's enough room, the car will keep accelerating until it hits 205 mph. It's an amazing piece of German engineering and the price tag is an equally amazing $245,000.

Want to see one in action? Stop drooling all over the images in the gallery and take a look at the video after the jump.

Gallery: Paris 2010: Porsche 911 GT2 RS

Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL
[Source: Porsche, Youtube]

Continue reading All 500 examples of the Porsche GT2 RS have been spoken for

All 500 examples of the Porsche GT2 RS have been spoken for originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Oct 2010 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fisker Karma configurator now online

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hybrid, Sedan, Fisker

First Factory-Built Fisker Karma - Click above for high-res image gallery

Have you been anxiously waiting for the day you could spec out a sinuously-styled plug-in hybrid sports car of your very own? Then your dream is one step closer because the configurator for the Fisker Karma is now online.

What was once considered vaporware, is now edging closer to reality. At the 2010 Paris Motor Show, we got to see the first factory-built Fisker Karma with our own eyes. The car is a rolling testament to the idea that one can simultaneously be "green" and enjoy an exciting driving experience. The Karma will reportedly be able to achieve an average of 100 miles per gallon yet it also claims a 0-60 time of under six seconds.

The configurator allows you to see the various colors that will be offered across the Karma's three trim levels. The Fisker Karma is available as one of three ECO models; Standard, Chic and Sport. ECO Standard is only available with two exterior color choices; White Sand and Eclipse. ECO Sport adds five more options to the palette in the form of Shadow, Silver Wind, Deep Ocean, Laguna and Inferno. ECO Chic throws in one more choice with the color Earth. Want to know what those names mean? Check them out at the link below.

Gallery: Paris 2010: First Factory-Built Fisker Karma

Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL
[Source: Fisker Automotive]

Fisker Karma configurator now online originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Oct 2010 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sondergard Automotive looking for startup capital for lighweight, low C02 roadster... on eBay?

Zach Bowman — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Earnings/Financials, Design/Style, Diesel

Sondergard Automotive Prototype - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's hard to get a car company off of the ground these days - just look at Tesla. Despite strong financial backing from the federal government, partnerships with companies like Mercedes-Benz and Toyota and a strong IPO, many are still gun shy of Tesla stock. It's notoriously difficult to come up with the kind of capital necessary to move a vehicle from a computer rendering to a full-blown production prototype, which may be why it appears that Sondergard Automotive has taken to courting investors via the miracle of eBay Motors. The company is primarily concerned with building a low-weight, low-emission sports car that's as fun to drive as it is eco friendly.

According to the eBay ad, the company has already come up with one prototype that weighs just 1,300 lbs but packs more than 330 horsepower from an efficient diesel engine. How efficient? The company claims fuel economy well above the 80 mpg mark. Color us skeptical. If you're more of the optimistic persuasion, Sondergard is looking for an investor willing to drop $7 million to fund the Lotus Seven/Donkervoort-like project, though it will also consider a number of smaller backers with the need to pony up $500,000 each. For more information, check out the company's eBay auction listing.

Gallery: Sondergard Automotive Prototype

[Source: eBay Motors]

Sondergard Automotive looking for startup capital for lighweight, low C02 roadster... on eBay? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Toyota developing smaller, cheaper baby FT-86

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 10 May 2010 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Toyota, Rumormill

If there is any truth to this report from Road & Track, you inexpensive sports car lovers are going to owe the Toyota FT-86 a lot of thanks. RT says that the development costs for Toyota's re-entry into the truly sporty segment has run over estimates and the car is going to be priced higher than $20,000 - not what Toyota wanted.

In response, the Japanese automaker has allegedly decided to bring out another, less expensive front-engined, rear-wheel-drive car using the 109-horsepower engine from the first generation Scion xB and getting in under the $20K limbo bar. If this dream does come true, you'll be able to open your eyes in 2012, a year after the FT-86 arrives. Thanks for the tip, Barry!

[Source: Road & Track]

Rumormill: Toyota developing smaller, cheaper baby FT-86 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 May 2010 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Quick Spin: Ariel Atom 3 is awesomeness that defies all classification

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Specialty, Quick Spins

2010 Ariel Atom 3 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Before we get into the actual meat and potatoes of this review, please know that the absolute absurdity of the Ariel Atom 3 is not lost on us. It starts out as a sordid collection of mild steel tubing and a somewhat unassuming 2.0-liter K20Z four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed manual, both pulled from the Honda parts bin. Throw in some fiberglass and a smattering of carbon fiber, four wheels, two lightweight racing seats with four-point harnesses, a steering wheel and some pedals, and that's just about it, save the optional windshield.

But the result is greater than the sum of its parts. Much, much greater. In fact, we're convinced that the latest Ariel Atom is the purest, most singularly focused driver's car ever made. Like you, we've always wondered what it's like to strap into an Atom and head off towards the sunset. Today, thanks to our friends at Forman Motorsport, we finally find out. Follow the jump to keep reading.

Gallery: Quick Spin: Ariel Atom 3

Continue reading Quick Spin: Ariel Atom 3 is awesomeness that defies all classification

Quick Spin: Ariel Atom 3 is awesomeness that defies all classification originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Apr 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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, New Car 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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