Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Statement on Ferrari website lashes out against Toro Rosso "indiscretion"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/10/statement-on-ferrari-website-lashes-out-against-toro-rosso-indi/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/10/statement-on-ferrari-website-lashes-out-against-toro-rosso-indi/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/10/statement-on-ferrari-website-lashes-out-against-toro-rosso-indi/#commentsFiled under: ,



Sour grapes much? Both of Italy's Formula One teams had to switch drivers mid-season during the year: Scuderia Toro Rosso (because Sebastien Bourdais wasn't working out) and Scuderia Ferrari (due to Felipe Massa injury). However, due to the comprehensive ban on in-season testing, neither could put their replacements into the cockpits of their F1 cars until the following grand prix weekend. So STR's newcomer Jaime Alguersuari was thrown straight into the deep end to sink or swim, while Ferrari, for its part, has been unable to give a returning Michael Schumacher any seat time in the new car. Not that the Maranello squad didn't try - their request for a one-time exemption was opposed by Williams, Red Bull and Toro Rosso. Now a message has appeared on the Ferrari website lashing out at the junior Toro Rosso team.

The statement calls out STR - which, it's worth noting, has used Ferrari customer engines for these past three seasons - as a "team that hasn't won anything for years and yet didn't pass over the opportunity to demonstrate once more a lack of spirit of fair play", while noting that Ferrari had given its consent for an exceptional test for Alguersuari. Ouch. (For the record, though, Toro Rosso won the Italian Grand Prix last year.) We would have to assume the message was somehow posted by a rogue with access to the Ferrari website, but that only begs the question as to why, several days later, it still hasn't been taken down. Follow the link to read the message in full on the Ferrari website.

[Source: Ferrari | Image: KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP/Getty]

Statement on Ferrari website lashes out against Toro Rosso "indiscretion" originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Aug 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alguersuaribourdaisf1felipe massaFelipeMassaferrariformula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnejaime alguersuariJaimeAlguersuarimassamichael schumacherMichaelSchumacherschumacherscuderia ferrariscuderia toro rossoScuderiaFerrariScuderiaToroRossosebastien bourdaisSebastienBourdaistesttest banTestBantestingtoro rossoToroRossoMon, 10 Aug 2009 09:01:00 EST<![CDATA[GM and Army open up new test facility on Yuma Proving Ground]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/23/gm-and-army-open-up-new-test-facility-on-yuma-proving-ground/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/23/gm-and-army-open-up-new-test-facility-on-yuma-proving-ground/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/23/gm-and-army-open-up-new-test-facility-on-yuma-proving-ground/#commentsFiled under: , ,


GM Desert Proving Ground Yuma - Click above for an image gallery

General Motors and the U.S. Army have officially cut the ribbon opening the automaker's all-new Desert Proving Ground this week. Located just outside Yuma, Arizona, the testing facility is built on 2400 acres of leased government property. In addition to a 3.5-mile circuit track (three lanes) and a 1.4-mile straight track (two-to-three lanes), the proving ground includes a 1,000' x 1,000' dynamics pad, interior noise road, and a garage with 40 hoists. And, that is just a partial list of the niceties at this state-of-the-art complex.

According to GM's Ken Morris, executive director, Vehicle Integration, Proving Grounds and Performance Division:

"This new facility meets several of our important product development needs... We have a longer hot weather testing cycle, we have great partners with the Army and the city of Yuma, and we have a facility that will meet our needs in the years to come,"

No need to mention that the isolation - and restrictions - associated with an active military base that also serves to keep prying eyes and spy photographers from capturing the company's future models, right?. Check out the details in the press release after the jump.


Gallery: GM Yuma Proving Ground


[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM and Army open up new test facility on Yuma Proving Ground

GM and Army open up new test facility on Yuma Proving Ground originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 18:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArizonaDesertGM Desert Proving GroundGmDesertProvingGroundHotIsolatedMesaMesa Proving GroundMesaProvingGroundproving groundproving groundsProvingGroundProvingGroundsTestingWeatherYumaThu, 23 Jul 2009 18:56:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Tata Nano passes European crash testing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/14/report-tata-nano-passes-european-crash-testing/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/14/report-tata-nano-passes-european-crash-testing/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/14/report-tata-nano-passes-european-crash-testing/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


2009 Tato Nano - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Tata Nano, the diminutive Indian four-door econobox rumored to eventually arrive in U.S. showrooms, has reportedly passed current European impact testing. According to Autocar, the offset front and side impact tests took place at the MIRA test center last week under supervision by an inspector from Britain's Vehicle Certification Authority. A spokesperson for Tata said the company is "delighted but not surprised" with the results, as the car had already been tested in India.

Sold only in its homeland right now, Tata seems determined to expand its passenger vehicle business to Europe and North America. With that in mind, the automaker is working to upgrade the Nano to ensure the Lilliputian meets "Westernized" crash standards, including the European NCAP tests, and our own NHTSA requirements.


Gallery: Geneva 2009: Tata Nano Europa


[Source: Autocar UK]

REPORT: Tata Nano passes European crash testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BVCACrashCrash TestCrashTestIIHSIndiananoNCAPNHTSASmall CarSmallCarTata NanoTataNanoTestingTue, 14 Jul 2009 15:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Michigan International Speedway joining with state to create car test facility]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/30/michigan-international-speedway-joining-with-state-to-create-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/30/michigan-international-speedway-joining-with-state-to-create-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/30/michigan-international-speedway-joining-with-state-to-create-car/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Michigan International Speedway (MIS) plays host to two NASCAR races: the 3M Performance 400 Presented by Bondo in the Sprint Cup Series, and the Carfax 250 in the Nationwide Series. Both races are likely to involve a fair number of cars crashing into each other, so it's ronic, then, that the MIS has been selected by the Michigan Department of Transportation as a neutral testing facility for car-to-car and car-to-road technology that are expected to one day prevent cars from crashing.

The testing is a part of Michigan's "Connected Vehicles" program, which is examining the practical use of technologies that allow cars to communicate with one another. The $100 million state program is four years into its five-year term, and needed a site where it could test a variety of makes and a range of components without giving anyone home-field advantage. The Speedway is now that site.

Between automakers and technology suppliers, Connected Vehicles is expected to add up to 40,000 jobs to the Michigan economy, 1,000 in 2009 alone. The larger goal behind it is for Michigan to position itself as a center of automotive technology and research -- and were it to succeed and end up creating cars that can't crash, that would make a nice filler for the vacuum created by the Detroit 3.

[Source: Detroit News | Image: Ronald Martinez/Getty]

Michigan International Speedway joining with state to create car test facility originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Jan 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accidentcrashgovernmentmdotmichiganmichigan department of transportationmichigan international speedwayMichiganDepartmentOfTransportationMichiganInternationalSpeedwaymismotorsportssafetytechtechnologytestingFri, 30 Jan 2009 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Volvo XC60 out playin' in the snow]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/25/spy-shots-volvo-xc60-out-playin-in-the-snow/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/25/spy-shots-volvo-xc60-out-playin-in-the-snow/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/25/spy-shots-volvo-xc60-out-playin-in-the-snow/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Volvo is working hard to finish development on the production version of its XC60 CUV before it goes on sale later in 2008. We'll see the official unveiling in Geneva most likley, and the concept has certainly whetted our appetite. Aimed at the smaller end of the premium CUV market, the XC60 will take on comers like the BMW X3 and the upcoming Mercedes Freeside, as well as the Land Rover LR2, with which the XC60 shares pieces and corporate parents.

AutoExpress has posted spy shots of an XC60 dressed for modesty cavorting in the snow. Comparing the mule to shots of the concept shows that the major points of the design are headed for the showroom after some tweaking. The changes are pretty minor, the door handles change, the roofline appears to be a little higher, though still with the same profile, so you might actually be able to load things in the production car. It does look like the curvaceous taillights are headed for reality, only slightly changed, too. The pictures don't offer any insight as to whether the trick two-piece hatch from the concept will make it to the public, and we're going to bet that the all-white interior will be ditched for something less cleaning-intensive, too. For the most part, what we saw in the concept is what we'll be able to buy in early 2009.

[Source: Auto Express]

Gallery: Volvo XC60 Concept



Spy Shots: Volvo XC60 out playin' in the snow originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jan 2008 14:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>60auto expressAutoExpresscamoflagecuvgenevamulephotosshotsspyspy shotsSpyShotstestingvolvoxcxc60Fri, 25 Jan 2008 14:07:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: VW Golf VI caught testing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/23/video-vw-golf-vi-caught-testing/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/23/video-vw-golf-vi-caught-testing/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/23/video-vw-golf-vi-caught-testing/#commentsFiled under: , ,


click above to view video

Nothing groundbreaking here, another Golf. The excitement will reside underneath the clean, evolutionary styling presided over by Walter da'Silva, Volkswagen's Group Design Chief. Powertrains will range from VW's diesel core competency to snorty sixes in the highest performance versions; a vehicular everyman with an engine choice to fit your needs and wants. The Golf VI has been out testing in Europe wearing stylish camouflage, as seen in the video. Looking closely, we can see that the light housings front and rear have a bit of styling flair compared to what we've currently got. The rear lamps wouldn't look out of place on an Alfa, and the headlamps sweep back into the hood and front fenders more than the current version. We're anxious to see the wraps come off, though, because you know underneath that shapely black fabric lurks a handsome Germanic face.

Click here to view the video.

[Source: World Car Fans]

VIDEO: VW Golf VI caught testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camoflagegolfgolf sixgolf viGolfSixGolfVispytestingvideovolkswagenvwWed, 23 Jan 2008 18:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Try, try again: FIA puts further restrictions on F1, freezes engine development]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/09/try-try-again-fia-puts-further-restrictions-on-f1-freezes-eng/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/09/try-try-again-fia-puts-further-restrictions-on-f1-freezes-eng/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/09/try-try-again-fia-puts-further-restrictions-on-f1-freezes-eng/#commentsFiled under:

The World Motor Sport Council of the FIA, the international racing authority that governs Formula One, among other series, has rolled out a series of restrictions on the development of F1 cars starting with the coming 2008 season.

The restrictions include a complete freeze on engine development for the next ten years. In a speech delivered last week in Monaco at the Motor Sport Business Forum, FIA President Max Mosley (pictured at right) justified the decision by pointing out that the engines developed by F1's six engine suppliers - Ferrari, Mercedes, BMW, Honda, Toyota and Renault - are already evenly matched and incredibly advanced: "There is no need to develop an F1 engine any further." (Heck, let's go back to foot-powered Flinstones-mobiles then.)

The far-reaching restrictions also covered the use of wind-tunnels for the first time in the formula. The new regulations state that each team can only use one wind-tunnel, can only operate it for 15 runs per 8-hour day, no more than five days per week. Further limitations were set on how the wind-tunnel may be used, and to prevent teams from simply switching their personnel over to even more expensive Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulators, the FIA intends to put a cap on that, too.

Ross Brawn, former technical director at Ferrari and new team principal at Honda, recently pointed out that restrictions like these don't achieve their intended goal of reducing costs, they just force teams to find newer, more expensive ways to gain a performance edge. We'd have to agree with Brawn: you can't contain a competitive spirit, and F1's chock-full of 'em.

[Source: Autosport]

Try, try again: FIA puts further restrictions on F1, freezes engine development originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Dec 2007 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>developmentenginef1fiaformulamosleyoneregulationsrestrictrulestestingtunnelwindSun, 09 Dec 2007 16:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Video: Mitsubishi Evo X in motion]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/22/spy-video-mitsubishi-evo-x-in-motion/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/22/spy-video-mitsubishi-evo-x-in-motion/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/22/spy-video-mitsubishi-evo-x-in-motion/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Before the folks over at Mitsubishi drop their crown jewel Evo X on an eager public, many road-hours of testing have to be logged in the souped-up Lancer. Besides the fact that the Evo X is arguably Mitsubishi's most recognizable car, there is plenty of new technology that needs to be perfected before buyers can purchase this rocketship. Edmunds Inside Line has video of the Evo X taking it to the 'Ring, and Mitsubishi's 4WD, 300+hp beast looks ready to be unleashed. A new paddle-shift twin-clutch supersport automatic joins the more traditional six-speed manual, and more powerful means of forced induction are rumored to lie under the hood. From its aggressive stance and sharp looks, to the increased performance potential, Mitsubishi looks like a lock to continue the Evo tradition. Hit the jump to view the Evo X in action from Germany's most famous car playground.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Spy Video: Mitsubishi Evo X in motion

Spy Video: Mitsubishi Evo X in motion originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Jul 2007 20:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EVO XEvoXMitsubishiRingSpy ShotsSpyShotsTestingSun, 22 Jul 2007 20:04:00 EST<![CDATA[ VIDEO: Step inside BMW's F1 wind tunnel]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/30/video-step-inside-bmws-f1-wind-tunnel/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/30/video-step-inside-bmws-f1-wind-tunnel/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/30/video-step-inside-bmws-f1-wind-tunnel/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Fun though it may be, racing is still an applied science. Perhaps this is most evident in the tech heavy F1 cars. BMW uses a very trick wind tunnel to test their Sauber F1 car in virtually all dynamic conditions to ensure that the aerodynamics give the desired result. This video has a bit of a Kubrick/2001 feel to it, but it's fascinating watching the car "drive" on this gigantic treadmill. As usual, the video does a much better job than a whole bagful of words, so check it out after the jump.

[Source: MotorAuthority]

Continue reading VIDEO: Step inside BMW's F1 wind tunnel

VIDEO: Step inside BMW's F1 wind tunnel originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 May 2007 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1bmwengineeringff1formulaformula 1Formula1motorsportsoneracingsaubertestingvideowind tunnelWindTunnelWed, 30 May 2007 18:32:00 EST<![CDATA[SPY VIDEO: Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/30/spy-video-mercedes-benz-c-class-estate/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/30/spy-video-mercedes-benz-c-class-estate/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/30/spy-video-mercedes-benz-c-class-estate/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

With the new C-Class sedan already firing on all cylinders, Mercedes-Benz is preparing its compact wagon variant. Some intrepid paparazzi managed to catch the upcoming C-Class Estate undergoing apparent cold-weather testing with minimal camouflage, in a video that you'll find after the jump.

Although the wagon version of the baby Benz is not sold on American shores, rivals like the BMW 3-Series wagon and Audi A4 Avant have been available here, although their sales volume is not at the same level as it is overseas where small family wagons are a popular alternative to cumbersome and gas-guzzling SUVs.

Aside from the hunch-back, the C-Class Estate is virtually identical to its sedan sister, and offers the same range of engines that starts with the 156-hp C180 and extends up to the 272-hp C350, with a few diesels thrown into the mix.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Continue reading SPY VIDEO: Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate

SPY VIDEO: Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Apr 2007 20:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>benzcclassclipcoldestateimagemercedesmulephotoshotspytesttestingvideowagonweatherMon, 30 Apr 2007 20:03:00 EST<![CDATA[SPY SHOTS: Charger/Challenger Chimera]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/14/spy-shots-charger-challenger-chimera/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/14/spy-shots-charger-challenger-chimera/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/14/spy-shots-charger-challenger-chimera/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Nose-grafting with common-platform cars is always fun. You could put an '84 LTD front clip on your Fox-body Mustang if you wanted to. While that would look, ahem, unique - this Charger has had a face transplant in the name of science. The long-lensers at KGP spotted this modified LX running around with a 2009 Challenger's front end, likely to determine airflow levels. You'd think that the 300, Magnum, and Charger would have served as a rigorous testbed for the Challenger's modified LX platform underpinnings, but the styling and underskin changes make careful study a must. Nobody will be happy when their 6.1 liter Hemi boils over in July heat. Perhaps that could be spun as a real return to the good old days when hydrocarbons roamed free and Hemis were built with loose tolerances, but we're guessing nobody wants to reminisce about those details. From what we can tell, under the camo lies a front end virtually unchanged from the show car. That's what we've been promised, so it's nice to see that it didn't end up with rectangular sealed beams, or something.

Thanks to tipster Phil

[Source: edmunds]

SPY SHOTS: Charger/Challenger Chimera originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 14 Apr 2007 08:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camoflagechallengerdodgeengineeringspy shotsSpyShotstestingSat, 14 Apr 2007 08:05:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Porsche Panamera goes north to Sweden]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/29/video-porsche-panamera-goes-north-to-sweden/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/29/video-porsche-panamera-goes-north-to-sweden/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/29/video-porsche-panamera-goes-north-to-sweden/#commentsFiled under: , ,



If you want to get spy shots of vehicles that will soon be showing up in European dealerships, the place to be every year from December to March is the area near the Arctic Circle in Sweden. One person of apparently hardy stock captured a pair of Porsche Panamera prototypes heading out to a frozen lake for some more testing. We've all seen stills of the Panamera on the Nordschliefe, but now you can see (and hear) the car in full motion video.

[Source: YouTube]

VIDEO: Porsche Panamera goes north to Sweden originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Mar 2007 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>panameraswedentestingThu, 29 Mar 2007 19:02:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Corvair to Nader: Kiss my unsafe quarter panel!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/23/video-corvair-to-nader-kiss-my-unsafe-quarter-panel/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/23/video-corvair-to-nader-kiss-my-unsafe-quarter-panel/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/23/video-corvair-to-nader-kiss-my-unsafe-quarter-panel/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



YouTube serves up another cool video. Corvairs are hella cool, and they were tarred and feathered out of existence by zealots. They were no worse than other cars on the road at the time, but they were picked up as all that was wrong with motoring safety by Ralph Nader. Cars in in the late '50s when the Corvair was developed were all less safe than what we have now. 50 years of scientific study and applied engineering will do that for you. This video offers up some great scenes of a Corvair being herded around Lime Rock's track, as well as some off-road adventures. This is marketing propaganda, so of course the little chuffer comes off as unburstable. It also shows the infancy of the rigorous vetting processes cars must go through now. The handling test is especially hilarious, as the edit is made just as the tail of the rear-engined Corvair starts to come around. Showing a spin is not the best way to demonstrate platform stability. We get to see Corvairs rolled over, driven off slopes that are larger than would be wise, and fording streams. Hyperbolic advertising aside, it's pretty cool to see an early 'Vair abused in such a gratifying manner. Unsafe? pfft! Then as now, it's mainly the loose nut behind the wheel that causes problems.

Video after the jump

Continue reading VIDEO: Corvair to Nader: Kiss my unsafe quarter panel!

VIDEO: Corvair to Nader: Kiss my unsafe quarter panel! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Feb 2007 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>60'sadvertisingchevroletcorvairgmlime rockLimeRocknaderrollovertestingvideoFri, 23 Feb 2007 15:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: VW's Sharan van]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/09/spy-shots-vws-sharan-van/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/09/spy-shots-vws-sharan-van/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/09/spy-shots-vws-sharan-van/#commentsFiled under: , ,

There's a whole class of small minivans over in Europe that we miss out on here in the US. Ford's got the great new S-Max, and Volkswagen's working on bringing a new version of its Sharan to market.

AutoExpress managaed to nab a new Sharan, due by the end of 2008, with one of its long lenses. These people movers are a smaller alternative for folks who need flexibility and utility coupled with an easy-driving, carlike demeanor. They'd slot nicely into the strata of the US marketplace under the ever-larger minivans we have on offer now. VW's got some catching up to the S-Max to do with their new Sharan.

For the current version of the MPV, VW and Ford teamed up to produce the Galaxy and Sharan models together in Portugal. By resting on its laurels, Volkswagen has been left in the dust while everyone else updated and refined their MPV offerings. Ford, for its part, has since brought out the S-Max and a new version of the Galaxy. Underpinning the Sharan is an adaptation of the Passat platform, and the MPV offers the same powertrain options as the Passat, as well.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Spy Shots: VW's Sharan van originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Feb 2007 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mpvphotosharanspyspy shotSpyShottestingvanvolkswagenFri, 09 Feb 2007 18:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: 2009 Audi A8]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/23/spy-shots-2009-audi-a8/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/23/spy-shots-2009-audi-a8/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/23/spy-shots-2009-audi-a8/#commentsFiled under: , ,

At first glance, you'll hardly be able to tell a difference between the 2007 Audi A8 and the testing mule you're staring at here. The most obvious differences are the extra-wide fenders flares on the mule. Nevertheless, this is the next iteration of the A8, which will also sport some mechanical upgrades when it debuts in 2009. Audi will be looking to make the A8 lineup a more athletic group of luxury sedans by lowering the car's weight and distributing it better on the Modular Longitudinal Platform it will share with the bulk of Audi's passenger car lineup. We're particularly excited about the possibility of Audi dropping in the 6.0-liter V12 TDI that will first be offered in the Q7 SUV. Inspired by the same engine that propelled Audi's pair of R10 LMP1 racers to victory in the American LeMans Series, this engine produces a beastly 500 hp and 737 ft-lbs. of torque. The V12 will be crazy in the Q7 and Grade-A insane in the lighter A8. You can check out more spy shots of the A8 at the link, but we'll warn you there's not much new to see for now.

Thanks for the tip, Jason!

Spy Shots: 2009 Audi A8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Jan 2007 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>A8mulespy photospy picsspy shotsSpyPhotoSpyPicsSpyShotstestingTue, 23 Jan 2007 18:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: BMW M3 Cabrio]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/14/spy-shots-bmw-m3-cabrio/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/14/spy-shots-bmw-m3-cabrio/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/14/spy-shots-bmw-m3-cabrio/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

M3 CabrioThose Bavarian wunderkind over at BMW just took the wraps off the latest 3-Series convertible, complete with folding hard-top. But even as impressive as the range-topping 335i is, what with its twin-turbo inline-six hitting the 300 mark in both horsepower and torque, there's yet more power underway: an all but completely undisguised M3 cabrio has been caught undergoing cold-weather testing way up north in Sweden, blasting past Saabs and Volvos.

Like the rest of the 3-Series convertible range, the M3 cabrio will feature a metal roof protecting four passengers from the elements and retracting at the push of a button to let the sunshine in. As with all M models, you'll be able to tell it apart from its more ordinary siblings by the wider fenders, sportier bumpers housing bigger air intakes and four exhaust tips, plus of course the requisite M badging. While the power bulge pictured on the hood is reportedly fake, under the hood is where the action is, where the M3 will pack a V8 pumping out over 400 horsepower, derived from the award-winning M5/6's V10 but with two cylinders lopped off. Power will be put down initially though BMW's Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) until the Bavarians are ready with their own anticipated dual-clutch gearbox.

Insiders predict the M3 coupe to bow at Frankfurt this coming September, but the convertible version probably won't be ready before 2008. Expect to take a penalty in both price and performance for the folding tin-top.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Spy Shots: BMW M3 Cabrio originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 14 Jan 2007 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3bmwconvertibleimagem3photoseriesshotspytestingSun, 14 Jan 2007 18:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Audi A5 snapped testing in California]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/04/spy-shots-audi-a5-snapped-testing-in-california/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/04/spy-shots-audi-a5-snapped-testing-in-california/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/04/spy-shots-audi-a5-snapped-testing-in-california/#commentsFiled under: , ,



As if Southern California didn't have enough reasons to make the rest of the country jealous, it's also apparently stocked with test mules driving around in the warm California sun. Ryan over at Carster.com spotted a pair of lightly camo'd Audi A5 test mules out and about in SoCal. (You may remember that Ryan was one of the first to score shots of an uncovered Audi R8 testing in the U.S.) One of the pair was sporting 20-inch rims shod with Dunlops and the other more modest 17s wearing Eagle LS tires, which lead Ryan to speculate the drivers were out testing wheels. While the front and rear of the cars are obscured by camo, the sides are virtually untouched and reveal the shape of the car's C-pillar and a nice concavity that runs the length of the A5. It also appears there's a subtle lip spoiler hanging out on the truck lid, as well as LED signals underneath the sideview mirrors. While the shots Ryan took, the rest of which are hosted over at Carster, are excellent, we have to admit the Audi A5 hasn't quite got our blood boiling yet. It seems like an obvious niche for Audi to fill, but we wonder whether Ingolstadt can pull off a coupe like BMW can.

Thanks to Ryan at Carster for the tip!

[Source: Carster}

Spy Shots: Audi A5 snapped testing in California originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Dec 2006 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>A5mulespyspy picsSpyPicstest muletestingTestMuleMon, 04 Dec 2006 13:27:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Maybach Exelero]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/07/video-maybach-exelero/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/07/video-maybach-exelero/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/07/video-maybach-exelero/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Did you think the Maybach 62 S was ridiculous? The high-performance stretched limousine has nothing on its one-of-a-kind brother, the Maybach Exelero. Based on the already-big-for-a-sedan Maybach 57, the gargantuan coupe was created for German tire maker Fulda as a high-speed test bed (and, we suspect, a bit of a publicity stunt...and a successful one at that).

This video tells the story of Fulda's historic collaboration with the stoic luxury brand - a partnership which was rekindled after DaimlerChrysler recently revived Maybach - and shows us some footage of the gargantuan Exelero undergoing high-speed testing at the Nardo track. After all, this may have been a show car, but it was built to go fast and push its rubber to the limit.

[Source: Motor Authority]

VIDEO: Maybach Exelero originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Nov 2006 13:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>exelerohighmaybachnardospeedtestingvideoTue, 07 Nov 2006 13:21:00 EST<![CDATA[First Caparo T1 prototype completed]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/03/first-caparo-t1-prototype-completed/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/03/first-caparo-t1-prototype-completed/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/03/first-caparo-t1-prototype-completed/#commentsFiled under:



Caparo Vehicle Technologies has achieved the monumental task of completing the first of two prototypes of its T1 supercar less than a year after the company was formed. We'll remind you that the T1 is a street-legal, ultralight F1-inspired racer designed by ex-McLaren engineers Ben Scott-Geddes and Graham Halstead. Powered by a 2.4-liter supercharged V8 rated at 500 horsepower, the T1 can reach 60 mph in just 2.5 seconds thanks to its low 1,100 lb. curb weight. The XP1 prototype car started under its own power, which is always a good sign, and will now begin comprehensive testing and tweaking before a second prototype, the XP2, begins additional testing in December. Customers will likely begin receiving their cars in early 2007, and Caparo claims it has half of its available production for next year already sold. The T1 will be not be a mass produced exotic, however, with Caparo capable of building only two units per month at its Basingstoke facility in the U.K.

The T1 is really a rolling showcase for lightweight vehicle technology that Caparo hopes will attract the business of aerospace and automotive companies seeking weight reductions through the use of composite materials, a Caparo specialty. Thus, Caparo's Chief Executive Richard Butler calls the T1, "but one-tenth of the business plan". Caparo has long been a supplier of aluminum and steel, but with the T1 it has demonstrated its capacity as an automotive component supplier that can design, develop and produce lightweight components for both the aero and auto industries.

(Additional pic and press release can be found after the jump.)

[Source: Caparo]

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Continue reading First Caparo T1 prototype completed

First Caparo T1 prototype completed originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Oct 2006 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caparoprototypeT1testingTue, 03 Oct 2006 16:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: 2008 Lotus Esprit]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/24/spy-shots-2008-lotus-esprit/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/24/spy-shots-2008-lotus-esprit/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/24/spy-shots-2008-lotus-esprit/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Another mule has been caught lapping the Ring in Germany, and this time it's the forthcoming revival of the lightweight Lotus Esprit supercar. The new Esprit is expected use a BMW V8 for power, and while eight cylinders is no surprise, we have to admit that we enjoyed the old Esprit's identity as the "four-cylinder supercar".

Near the end of the Esprit's last run it was fitted with a Lotus-developed, compact twin-turbo 3.5L V8 that developed 350 hp, but it seemed out of place to us in a supercar that made its mark by chasing down more powerful cars with nothing more than a four-banger and a prayer. These days, however, the Lotus Elise is having no trouble filling its older brothers shoes as the company's resident "four-cylinder supercar".

[Source: Inside Line via Winding Road]

Spy Shots: 2008 Lotus Esprit originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Jun 2006 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eliseespritexotic carExoticCarfour-cylindergermanylotusmulenurburgringprototypespy picSpyPicsupercartestingthe ringTheRingSat, 24 Jun 2006 10:55:00 EST