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[First Drive: 2010 Ford Flex EcoBoost delivers more than just a better engine]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/21/first-drive-2010-ford-flex-ecoboost-delivers-more-than-just-a-b/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/21/first-drive-2010-ford-flex-ecoboost-delivers-more-than-just-a-b/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/21/first-drive-2010-ford-flex-ecoboost-delivers-more-than-just-a-b/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2010 Ford Flex EcoBoost - Click above for high-res image gallery

Just a year after the Ford Flex first appeared, the Blue Oval has revamped its lineup in ways that make the 2010 model quite different from its forebearer. First among the changes is the Blue Oval's EcoBoost engine, which packs 3.5 liters of displacement and a duo of turbochargers to produce V8 power with V6 fuel economy. Autoblog went to the Colorado hinterlands to spend some with with the Flex and its new powerplant, and as we found out, there's more to Ford's boxy crossover than boosted performance and fuel economy.


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Flex EcoBoost


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Jonathon R. Ramsey / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Ford Flex EcoBoost delivers more than just a better engine

First Drive: 2010 Ford Flex EcoBoost delivers more than just a better engine originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 ford flex2010FordFlexcrossovercuvecoboostfeaturedfirst driveFirstDriveflexfordford flexford flex ecoboostFordFlexFordFlexEcoboostturboturbochargedtwin turbotwin-turboTwinTurbowagonTue, 21 Jul 2009 11:56:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Twin-turbo Viper V10-engined Ford Mustang looks to be one sick pony]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/video-twin-turbo-viper-v10-engined-ford-mustang-looks-to-be-one/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/video-twin-turbo-viper-v10-engined-ford-mustang-looks-to-be-one/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/video-twin-turbo-viper-v10-engined-ford-mustang-looks-to-be-one/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Viper-powered Mustang - Click above to watch the video after the jump

We love Ford Mustangs of all shapes and sizes, and the age-old adage of "the more power the better" definitely applies. Scott Vanderschoor, a regular on Bang Shift forums, is working on one hell of a pony car; one that carries the panache of a 'Stang and the power of a Dodge Viper - with a pair of turbochargers providing a little additional motivation. Unsurprisingly, Vanderschoor reportedly needed to move back the firewall a half foot to make room for the massive 8.4L V10 engine, but we're guessing the labor will pay off with some absolutely incredible power numbers.

Hit the jump to see Vanderschoor's big beast as it turns over on camera for the first time. The sound is a bit different than you'd expect from a typical Mustang V8 growl and we're guessing that it has a little more oomph under the hood than most pony cars on the road - even before Vanderschoor tuning gets sorted out. This is one Mustang project we're looking forward to seeing more of! Check out the gallery below in addition to the video after the jump.Thanks for the tip, Brian L!


Gallery: Viper-powered Mustang


[Source: Bang Shift]

Continue reading VIDEO: Twin-turbo Viper V10-engined Ford Mustang looks to be one sick pony

VIDEO: Twin-turbo Viper V10-engined Ford Mustang looks to be one sick pony originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dodge viperDodgeVipermustang turbomustang videoMustangTurboMustangVideotwin turbotwin turbo mustangtwin turbo viper v10TwinTurboTwinTurboMustangTwinTurboViperV10Viper engineviper v10ViperEngineViperV10Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:28:00 EST<![CDATA[SEMA 2008: Hennessey shows a pair of turbocharged Ford GTs]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/09/sema-2008-hennessey-shows-a-pair-of-turbocharged-ford-gts/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/09/sema-2008-hennessey-shows-a-pair-of-turbocharged-ford-gts/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/09/sema-2008-hennessey-shows-a-pair-of-turbocharged-ford-gts/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Hennessey Ford GTs
Hennessey is perhaps more closely associated with Dodge Vipers to most people, but they also do work on Ford's late, great supercar, the Ford GT, too. What Hennessey does with the GT is sort of up to you. One option they can do is a swap, wherein the factory supercharger is removed and a pair of turbos are fitted. With additional modifications, that car can reach more than 235 mph. If it strikes you as a sacrilegious thing to do to a rare factory-supercharged car, you can keep your blower and simply add the twin turbos as well. They call that one the Ford GT1000 for the metric tonne of horsepower it produces. It can squirt from 0-60 in 2.6 seconds and cover the quarter in 10.6 on its way past 240 mph. The company had one of each on hand at SEMA this year in front of the duPont Registry trailer. Decisions, decisions. We'll take one of each.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: Hennessey Ford GTs


Photos copyright (C)2008 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.

SEMA 2008: Hennessey shows a pair of turbocharged Ford GTs originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Nov 2008 18:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ford gtFordGthennesseyhennessey performanceHennesseyPerformancesemasema 2008Sema2008twin turbotwin turbo ford gtTwinTurboTwinTurboFordGtSun, 09 Nov 2008 18:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford reportedly to charge $700 premium for Ecoboost]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/18/ford-to-charge-700-premium-for-ecoboost/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/18/ford-to-charge-700-premium-for-ecoboost/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/18/ford-to-charge-700-premium-for-ecoboost/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Ford has been touting Ecoboost as an economical alternative to hybrid technology, and word from Automotive News is that the price tag could be $700 per vehicle. Ecoboost is said to deliver 20-30% fuel economy gains by combining turbochargers and direct injection technology with down-sized engines. The automaker also estimates that owners will pay off their Ecoboost premium in two year's time at $3.25 per gallon gasoline and 15,000 miles of driving per year. Since $3.25 is at the optimistic end of the gas equation, we're thinking Ecoboost could likely pay for itself before that. While hybrids might be able to post higher fuel economy numbers than vehicles equipped with this off-the-shelf technology, consumers should pay less for each mile per gallon they gain going with a similarly sized Ecoboost-equipped Ford.

Brett Hinds, Ford's advanced engine design manager, said the 3.5L V6 Ecoboost slated for F-150 duty in 2010 would produce "significantly more" than 340 hp and 340 lb-ft, which easily bests the 300 ponies delivered by the truck's current top shelf 5.4L V8. A similar story will unfold with boosted four-pots, as V6 power is attainable with small displacement fuel economy. We've also learned that Ecoboost engines with a V6 will receive two turbochargers, while four cylinder models will only get one. Throw that 3.5L V6 Ecoboost in a Mustang and hand us the keys, then we'll decide.

UPDATE: Ford has not officially announced Ecoboost pricing.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Ford reportedly to charge $700 premium for Ecoboost originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Aug 2008 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>700 for ecoboost700ForEcoboostecoboostecoboost 700Ecoboost700Fordtwin turboTwinTurboMon, 18 Aug 2008 10:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Twin turbos return to the next generation Audi S4?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/07/twin-turbos-return-to-the-next-generation-audi-s4/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/07/twin-turbos-return-to-the-next-generation-audi-s4/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/07/twin-turbos-return-to-the-next-generation-audi-s4/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



There is awesomeness to the prefix "twin-turbo." It could be a Briggs & Stratton Vanguard engine (awesome in its own right) that you're talking about, but prepending any engine designation with the modifier "twin-turbo" can suck all of the air out of a room. Owners of lesser cars just nod in acknowledgment of their inferiority. Audi fans have lamented the evolution of the S4 from a twin-turbocharged V6 in the B5 version to V8 power for the two most recent iterations. Many feel that the V8 powerplant doesn't have the addictive frenetic nature of the old S4. For the next generation, Audi is returning the S4 to its roots as a more refined version of what you'll find in the Evo or the STi. The B8 S4 has reportedly been lapping the Nurburgring with a force-fed six-shooter underhood.

With the A5/S5 joining the lineup, the S4 doesn't have to worry as much about serving customers who'd rather have a GT than something more serious. Thus, an artificially-aspirated V6 displacing three liters and employing VW/Audi Group's FSI direct-injection technology and Audi's Valvelift actuation system can be parked in the S4 without fears that the hardcore nature of such a powerplant would be off-putting. Whether the external compressors are turbos or a supercharger is the subject of rumor. Also open to speculation is the horsepower output, but it'd be safe to bet that something slightly higher than the 300 HP packed into the BMW 335 can be expected. Also expect the S4 to employ Audi's Sport Differential to offer tweakable chassis attitude, as well as the obligatory styling tweaks and sumptuous cabin, too. Click the Read link below to view a couple renderings of what the next S4 might look like courtesy of Fourtitude.

[Source: Fourtitude, Rendering: Fourtitude]

Twin turbos return to the next generation Audi S4? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Nov 2007 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a4audiaudi a4audi s4AudiA4AudiS4s4superchargedsuperchargerturbotwin turboTwinTurbov6Wed, 07 Nov 2007 11:29:00 EST<![CDATA[SEMA 2007 Spotlight: APS C6 ZO6 LS7 twin turbo kit]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/03/sema-2007-spotlight-aps-c6-zo6-ls7-twin-turbo-kit/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/03/sema-2007-spotlight-aps-c6-zo6-ls7-twin-turbo-kit/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/03/sema-2007-spotlight-aps-c6-zo6-ls7-twin-turbo-kit/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



One sports car that really needs more power is the Chevrolet C6 Corvette Z06, right? The LS7 engine puts out 505 horsepower in stock form, so it could really use about twice that. Thankfully the folks at APS (Air Power Systems) developed a twin turbocharger kit for the C6 Z06 application. APS claims their power adders will get the LS7 generating upwards of 1100 rear wheel horsepower. Now, knowing the compression ratio of the LS7, the upper reaches of that power range will not be seen by anyone running pump gas. Regardless of the user's intended boost setting, the kit will esthetically fit in with the rest of the ZO6's engine bay. A few notable parts included in the kit are cast iron exhaust manifolds, rotomolded plastic intake piping, water cooled turbochargers and an oil scavenge pump to ensure the proper lubrication of the turbocharger bearings.

Gallery: APS C6 ZO6 LS7 Twin Turbo Kit

SEMA 2007 Spotlight: APS C6 ZO6 LS7 twin turbo kit originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 03 Nov 2007 14:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>APSC6ZO6ChevroletCorvetteTwin TurboTwinTurboZO6Sat, 03 Nov 2007 14:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Twin-turbo M5 and M7 prototypes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/11/spy-shots-twin-turbo-m5-and-m7-prototypes/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/11/spy-shots-twin-turbo-m5-and-m7-prototypes/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/11/spy-shots-twin-turbo-m5-and-m7-prototypes/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Will the M5 get a twin-turbo and be joined by an M7? Mr. Lehmann and Co. have caught an M5 and a 7-Series with extra ventage. It's hypothesized that Audi has understated the RS6's pony count, telling the world it's 580 when it's actually 600. And now with both Mercedes and Audi outdoing the M in the horsepower war, the theory is that that's an insult BMW simply cannot allow. Hence the addition of double-barrel blowers to equalize the equation.

As for the possibility of an M7, all there is to see are a large scoop at the front of the hood and two smaller scoops at the rear. With years of AMG S-Classes and Audi S8's behind us, if there is an M7 on the way, all we can say is: it's about time.

[Source: World Can Fans]

Spy Shots: Twin-turbo M5 and M7 prototypes originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Sep 2007 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amgaudibmwe63m5m7mercedess65s8twin turboTwinTurboTue, 11 Sep 2007 18:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Enter the Rumormill: Audi R8 getting twin-turbo V10 from RS6]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/07/enter-the-rumormill-audi-r8-getting-twin-turbo-v10-from-rs6/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/07/enter-the-rumormill-audi-r8-getting-twin-turbo-v10-from-rs6/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/07/enter-the-rumormill-audi-r8-getting-twin-turbo-v10-from-rs6/#commentsFiled under: ,



We see a lot of rumors here at Autoblog, but this one just has to come true. Word around town is that the same engine that powers the 580-hp 5.2L twin-turbo V10 in the recently announced Audi RS6 Avant could also find its way to the back hatch of the Audi R8. We first reported on the possibility of a twin-turbo V10 back in February, and it seems the stat sheet on the RS6 has merely stoked the flames.

With 580 (or more) ponies in tow, the R8 should beat most anything on the road, including its current competition like the Porsche 911 that offers more powerful models in its lineup. Throw in bigger brakes and wheels with a modified suspension, and even the vaunted GT2 should begin to worry.

[Source: Edmunds Inside Line]

Enter the Rumormill: Audi R8 getting twin-turbo V10 from RS6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Sep 2007 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AudiAudi R8AudiR8R8RS6RS6 AvantRs6AvantTwin TurboTwinTurboV10Fri, 07 Sep 2007 12:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Twin-turbo V8 BMW 7-series at the 'Ring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/28/spy-shots-twin-turbo-v8-bmw-7-series-at-the-ring/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/28/spy-shots-twin-turbo-v8-bmw-7-series-at-the-ring/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/28/spy-shots-twin-turbo-v8-bmw-7-series-at-the-ring/#commentsFiled under: , ,

During a recent Bimmer-hunting expedition at the Nurburgring, ace photog Hans Lehmann was able to procure a shot of the engine bay of a development mule for the 2010 BMW 7-series. When inspecting the layout, he noticed two intercoolers, and the best guess now is that the V8 fitted to the new 7-series could be the same engine employed in the new M3. With over 400 horsepower on tap in naturally-aspirated guise, it's not a stretch to think that this blown motor could produce upwards of 500 HP with limited tweaking. M7 anyone?

When the new 7-series goes on sale in late 2009, those suspicions will be confirmed.

[Source: Straighline]

Spy Shots: Twin-turbo V8 BMW 7-series at the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Jun 2007 08:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7-seriesbmwm7spy shotsSpyShotstwin turbotwin-turboTwinTurbov8Thu, 28 Jun 2007 08:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: 2009 BMW 7-series]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/21/spy-shots-2009-bmw-7-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/21/spy-shots-2009-bmw-7-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/21/spy-shots-2009-bmw-7-series/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Although the BMW 7-series has undergone some mild styling tweaks over the past few years, it seems that more is on the way, all in an effort to tighten the reigns of the mangled Bangled versions that caused drivers to bleed from their eyes.

Although some hope that the Concept CS will influence future 7s, the 2009 model will be more of an evolution, likely drawing cues from the redesigned 3-series. But the real changes are likely to come from underneath.

A longer wheelbase, partnered with a wider track, will be utilized to keep with BMW's handling ethos, while new engine choices, including a hybrid and twin-turbo V8 diesel will provide motivation. A new ZF eight-speed gearbox is almost certain, along with a revised iDrive system and several new safety features.

Look out for the refresh in 2009, with a full redesign sometime next decade.

[Source: Autogepot via Motor Authority]

Spy Shots: 2009 BMW 7-series originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jun 2007 08:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3 series3-series3Series7 series7-series7Seriesbanglebmwbmw 7-seriesBmw7-seriesconcept csConceptCsdieselhybridspy photosspy shotsSpyPhotosSpyShotstwin turboTwinTurbov8Thu, 21 Jun 2007 08:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Boxy, but quick - twin-turbo Supra engined Volvo 244]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/05/boxy-but-quick-twin-turbo-supra-engined-volvo-244/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/05/boxy-but-quick-twin-turbo-supra-engined-volvo-244/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/05/boxy-but-quick-twin-turbo-supra-engined-volvo-244/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



If such a thing is possible, Volvo 240s have an even mustier image in Australia than they do in the United States. That's good for those of us who know that they're anvil tough and respond well to modifications. Being front engine, rear wheel drive and European, the ingredients for a stormer are there, if you care to do some work. Additionally, 240s are super easy to work on, and there's a decent enthusiast base, especially now with the interweb tubes in full swing.

Engine swaps into RWD Volvos are nothing new, Converse Engineering and Jags That Run have been selling kits to provide your "Brick" with a small-block heart transplant for years. A particularly determined Aussie has swapped in a twin-turbo Toyota Supra engine good for 284 horsepower. Sure, the V8s will bump out that pony count all day, but they won't have that inline-six wail. Of course, there's something equally alluring about the rhythm of a V8 doing its work, too. Decisions, decisions. Guess we'd just have to get a few and go swap-crazy. Good thing old Volvos are cheap!

The dyno run video is posted after the jump.

Gallery: Supra powered Volvo



[Source: Carscoop]

Continue reading Boxy, but quick - twin-turbo Supra engined Volvo 244

Boxy, but quick - twin-turbo Supra engined Volvo 244 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Jun 2007 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2402446brickcustomenginesixsupraswapswedishturbotwintwin turboTwinTurbovolvoTue, 05 Jun 2007 12:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Porsche 911 GT2 running the 'Ring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/31/spy-shots-porsche-911-gt2-running-the-ring/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/31/spy-shots-porsche-911-gt2-running-the-ring/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/31/spy-shots-porsche-911-gt2-running-the-ring/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

By many accounts, the new GT3 is the greatest 911 ever. Insane levels of grip, coupled with prodigious power delivery and styling that only a purist could love, it might seem unnecessary to mess with perfection. Porsche disagrees. Again.

Originally caught testing last October, the 997 GT2 has made another appearance at everyone's favorite playground testing grounds -- the Nürburgring. This time, we get a better view of the Turbo-esque schnaz (sans fog lamps), revised intakes and rear fascia. Mounted below that expansive wing is a revised twin-turbo flat six, likely to crank out over 500 HP and sending power to the rear wheels.

We haven't heard any rumblings recently about when the GT2 will be debuted, but we'll keep our fingers crossed that it'll be sometime this year.

[Source: Straightline]

Spy Shots: Porsche 911 GT2 running the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 31 Mar 2007 16:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>997gt2gt3porschetwin turboTwinTurboSat, 31 Mar 2007 16:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Four cylinders, 400 Nm: BMW's new turbo diesel]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/24/four-cylinders-400-nm-bmws-new-turbo-diesel/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/24/four-cylinders-400-nm-bmws-new-turbo-diesel/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/24/four-cylinders-400-nm-bmws-new-turbo-diesel/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



It's nothing new that torque addicted, diesel junkies abroad get all the cool stuff, and now this. BMW just released details on its new 2.0-liter, variable twin turbo diesel engine that is making 204 HP and almost 300 ft.-lbs. of torque. The two-stage turbo system, initially introduced on the 535d, all but eliminates any amount of lag by utilizing a smaller turbo at low engine speeds and a larger snail higher up in the rev range. The result: 147 ft.-lbs. at 1200 RPM and 295 ft.-lbs. of twist at 2000 RPM. Coupled with a lighter aluminum engine block, BMW maintains that a significant increase in fuel efficiency over the outgoing model has been realized.

We liked the 535d when we took it for a spin in LA, and we're sure that this new engine, whether in a 1-series or a 3-series, will be just as entertaining.

Click on the dyno chart to the right to see an enlarged version of the graph.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Four cylinders, 400 Nm: BMW's new turbo diesel originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Mar 2007 13:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwdieseldual stage turboDualStageTurboturbochargingtwin turboTwinTurboSat, 24 Mar 2007 13:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Enter the rumormill: 500HP Infiniti G37 twin-turbo on tap for 2010]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/13/enter-the-rumormill-500hp-infiniti-g37-twin-turbo-on-tap-for-20/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/13/enter-the-rumormill-500hp-infiniti-g37-twin-turbo-on-tap-for-20/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/13/enter-the-rumormill-500hp-infiniti-g37-twin-turbo-on-tap-for-20/#commentsFiled under: , ,

May we first present to you a grain of salt, which you should take with what we're about to say. A comment left on an earlier post today confirming the G37 Coupe's new name led us to the Freshalloy forums where a member had recently posted some tantalizing information.

The Freshalloy forum member relays information he obtained from the owner of his local Nissan/Infiniti dealership that includes not only confirmation of the new G37 name four days before today's official announcement, but also speculation that the larger engine will produce 325 horsepower "out of the box". On a follow up visit, the forum member learned that a possible 330-hp variant of the G37 is also currently being tested at sea level. Finally, the owner said that the new G37 will be in dealerships this summer around July or August.

The real nugget of speculation that interests us, however, is the possibility that Infiniti will produce an all-wheel drive, twin-turbocharged version of the G37 in 2010 that will produce 500 horsepower. Such a car sounds a lot like the Nissan GT-R, the first production Skyline ever to be sold in the U.S. Even though this news come from a forum post written by a guy who talked to some dealer, and its validity can in no way be confirmed at this time, we have to admit that it makes sense to us.

We're well aware that Infiniti dealers were not happy when one Carlos Ghosn announced the GT-R would be badged a Nissan, so an ultra high-performance version of the G37 is one relatively easy way to appease those dealers. We also presume that the G37 Coupe and GT-R will share a good deal of hardware, which makes us wonder if the GT-R's powerplant will turn out to be a twin-turbo version of the G37's 3.7L VQ V6, rather than the 3.5L version. That would certainly explain the blistering lap times a prototype was turning at Laguna Seca last month.

Oh yeah, the dealer is expecting a G37 convertible in 2009. You may now exit the rumormill.

Enter the rumormill: 500HP Infiniti G37 twin-turbo on tap for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Mar 2007 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awdinfinitiinfiniti g37InfinitiG37twin turboTwinTurboTue, 13 Mar 2007 14:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Geneva Motor Show: V12 quad-turbo R34 GT-R]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/10/geneva-motor-show-digitalchips-v12-quad-turbo-r34-gt-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/10/geneva-motor-show-digitalchips-v12-quad-turbo-r34-gt-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/10/geneva-motor-show-digitalchips-v12-quad-turbo-r34-gt-r/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click the image above for more pics of the DigitalChip R34 Skyline GT-R.

During our time in the grand metropolis of Geneva, we had every intention of spending some quality time at the tuner expo adjacent to the main halls. But with all that was going on, time was limited, and aside from the R8-ified TT and those kick ass chairs that our friend Paukert found, there wasn't too much of interest. Then we came across this.

Luc-Michel Faichaud didn't think that the stock RB in his Skyline R34 GT-R would keep up with the rigors of track duty at the power levels he wanted to produce, so he yanked the stock mill and replaced it with a 6.7L V12. And then - just for kicks - bolted on four turbos. The result: 1000+ HP, 1000 NM of torque, a 0-60 time of 2.9 seconds and a quarter mile trap speed at the low end of nine seconds. Complete with carbon-ceramic brakes (381mm front, 355mm rear), 13x18-inch wheels and weighing a paltry 2,200 pounds, the GTR "Unlimited" can reach a maximum speed of 220 MPH and seems to be the highlight of several shows and tuner magazines abroad.

Unfortunately, we were on our way out the door when we snapped these few pics, so no one was on hand to answer questions or pop the hood. UPDATE: But, Mr. Faichaud did contact us with some additional information about the car, which we've added to the post. We would've given our last franc just to sit in the driver's seat, but alas, time wasn't on our side. Frankfurt's coming up at the end of the year, so maybe we'll have a second chance to see the "Unlimited" up close again.

Gallery: DigitalChip TT V12 Skyline GT-R

Geneva Motor Show: V12 quad-turbo R34 GT-R originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 10 Mar 2007 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital chipdigitalchipgt-rgtrr34skylinetttwin turbotwin-turboTwinTurbov12Sat, 10 Mar 2007 14:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Geneva Motor Show: Tramontana supercar cometh]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/27/geneva-motor-show-tramontana-supercar-cometh/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/27/geneva-motor-show-tramontana-supercar-cometh/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/27/geneva-motor-show-tramontana-supercar-cometh/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Some would say that the Tramontana supercar looks like a mating experiment between the Plymouth Prowler and the Batmobile. We'll call the looks "unique". Either way, this one-seater will be fast and it will be light. We dig the open wheel look, and the wood accents on the exterior are way sweeter than the Griswald's station wagon, but more than anything else, it's the power that gets our attention. A 12-cylinder twin-turbo engine is sweet in just about any application, but mated to a vehicle with room for one seat and carbon-fiber to reduce weight and you've got a freaking rocket on wheels. You even get to choose your output by switching between 542 and 710 hp.

Love the looks or hate them, the new supercar from Tramontana should be very interesting for whomever is looking out from behind the driver's wheel. The press release is available after the jump.

[Source: Tramontanagroup.com via Winding Road]

Gallery: Tramontana

Continue reading Geneva Motor Show: Tramontana supercar cometh

Geneva Motor Show: Tramontana supercar cometh originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Feb 2007 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BatmobileProwlerTramontanaTwin TurboTwinTurboV12Tue, 27 Feb 2007 08:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Bristol Fighter SCR one-ups Bugatti Veyron...maybe]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/03/bristol-cars-fighter-scr-one-ups-bugatti-veyron-maybe/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/03/bristol-cars-fighter-scr-one-ups-bugatti-veyron-maybe/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/03/bristol-cars-fighter-scr-one-ups-bugatti-veyron-maybe/#commentsFiled under: ,

Bristol Fighter

With a pair of turbochargers force-feeding its already potent Dodge Viper-sourced 8.0 liter V10, the gull-winged Bristol Fighter SCR ups the (metric) horsepower ante to 1012; or 11 more than the previous king, the Bugatti Veyron.

Bristol Cars also claims that the Fighter SCR is capable of 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in less than 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 435 km/h (270 mph), but is electronically limited to a mere 362 km/h (225 mph). Hmm. If true, that's Veyron-level performance (on paper at least).

We hope someone's able to arrange a side-by-side test of these two supercars so that we can see if the Bristol really can walk the walk and pose a serious challenge to the sublime, supreme Veyron.

[Source: motorauthority.com]

Bristol Fighter SCR one-ups Bugatti Veyron...maybe originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Nov 2006 17:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BristolBristol CarsBristol Fighter SCRBristolCarsBristolFighterScrBugattiFighterSCRtwin turboTwinTurboV10VeyronViperFri, 03 Nov 2006 17:11:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW 335i dyno numbers - round two]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/22/bmw-335i-dyno-numbers-round-two/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/22/bmw-335i-dyno-numbers-round-two/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/22/bmw-335i-dyno-numbers-round-two/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Last month, Automobile Mag generated some chassis dyno numbers with a turbocharged BMW 335i coupe that were a bit healthier than one would suspect, given the factory's rating of 300 HP at the crankshaft. In a follow-up, they're now stating that the 275 rear-wheel horsepower number that was reported was actually the lowest of four pulls; one even generated 283 ponies. And all of this was with 92 F ambient temps - the sort of air that usually kills the output of boosted engines.

The publication then strapped a second sample to the same dyno, but this time in 78 F weather. Three runs yielded an average of 285 RWHP, with the other two varying from that by a maximum of three HP. Such consistency in the static air environment of a dyno is downright amazing and attests to the effectiveness of the Bimmer's intercooler and engine management system.

[Source: Automobile Mag]

BMW 335i dyno numbers - round two originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Sep 2006 09:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>335iBMWdirect injectionDirectInjectiondynodynometerhorsepowerrear wheelturboturbochargedtwin turboFri, 22 Sep 2006 09:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: 2007/08 BMW 335i sedan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/11/spy-shots-2007-08-bmw-335i-sedan/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/11/spy-shots-2007-08-bmw-335i-sedan/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/11/spy-shots-2007-08-bmw-335i-sedan/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It's only a matter of time before BMW drops its new 300-hp, twin-turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine into a 3-Series sedan body, and the crew who lives life in the left lane have secured spy shots of such a vehicle sporting a new, more aggressive nose. The new front fascia is more in-your-face than the façade found on the current four-door, and a pair of exhaust pipes at each corner out back are an instant indication this sedan isn't motivated by either version of the company's 3.0-liter inline-six. With 300 hp and 300 ft-lbs. of torque on tap, the 335i sedan will be easily able to keep up with Infiniti's new 306-hp G35 sedan in a straight line and no doubt lose it in the twisties.

[Source: LeftLaneNews]

Spy Shots: 2007/08 BMW 335i sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Sep 2006 13:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>335iturbotwin turboTwinTurboMon, 11 Sep 2006 13:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Peugeot announces twin-turbo, performance diesel]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/30/peugeot-announces-twin-turbo-performance-diesel/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/30/peugeot-announces-twin-turbo-performance-diesel/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/30/peugeot-announces-twin-turbo-performance-diesel/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Over the past several months, a few Autoblog staffers have become obsessed with the performance potential of diesels. Sure the Audi R10's relentless asskicking of everything on the grid has certainly fueled our oilburning lusts, but what's available to us lowly consumers?

Well, if Peugeot has their way, we're in store for some serious torqurific enjoyment; all we have to do is travel halfway around the globe.

The French automaker has released information about its newest diesel offering, with technical information that may classify it as one of the most advanced oilburners to date. The new, twin-turbocharged, 4-cylinder diesel is expected to put down 170 hp and 277 lb./ft. of torque, with only 2.2 liters of displacement. The sequential-turbo duo is designed to give consistent performance across the rev-range, with the smaller turbo acting in the lower depths of the tach, while the larger snail kicks in between 2,600 and 3,200 RPM.

The new engine will find a home within Peugeot's 607 HDi 170 sedan and will return 40 MPG while not being flogged unremittingly by hoons like us.

[Source: Inside Line]

Peugeot announces twin-turbo, performance diesel originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Aug 2006 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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