Autoblog

Stripped Audi R8 V10 Plus would make the ultimate alarm clock

Chris Paukert — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Luxury

Stick around in this business long enough as an automotive writer, and you'll be privy to some really wonderful driving moments. Great roads and amazing cars have a way of burning into one's memory banks like few other life experiences. But almost more than the visceral shove of a high-powered engine or a piece of sheetmetal that's been sculpted just so, the sounds that accompany great automotive experiences get lodged in one's hippocampus perhaps more than anything else.

In my case, one such recent experience involved being in a convoy of 2014 Audi R8 Coupes and Spyders on a nighttime run in the Tyrollean Alps. While it's true that I had achieved higher velocities on a racetrack earlier in the trip in a V10 Plus, it was the speedy ascents and descents on that stretch of pitch-dark alpine road that have stuck with me. The sounds of our groupe's V10s ricocheting off the rock walls and snowpack was, to appropriately employ a criminally overused word, epic.

I have since decided that I very much need the Audi V10 as an alarm clock sound on my phone. Crank the volume on the 550-horsepower video below and see if you don't agree.

Continue reading Stripped Audi R8 V10 Plus would make the ultimate alarm clock

Stripped Audi R8 V10 Plus would make the ultimate alarm clock originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Mar 2013 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spania GTA Spano packs 900 hp, acres of carbon fiber

Zach Bowman — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe

Spania landed at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show with its GTA Spano. The latest take on the company's supercar packs a 900 horsepower twin-turbocharged 8.4-liter V10 with a similarly impressive 737 pound-feet of torque. With just 2,976 pounds to move around, that big mill has no trouble hustling the car to speed. Spania says the GTA Spano can blink to 62 miles per hour in under 3 seconds and knock out a top speed of 217 miles per hour thanks in part to a 7-speed sequential gearbox.

Engineers managed to keep weight at bay thanks to plenty of carbon fiber. In addition to comprising all of the exterior bodywork, the composite joins a titanium honeycomb and Kevlar to make up the vehicle's monocoque. Stopping duty falls on the shoulder of a set of AP Racing carbon-ceramic brakes pressed by six-piston calipers. There's no word on how much this creation will cost you, but we're betting it's more than a few piggies worth of pennies. Scroll down for the full press release.

Continue reading Spania GTA Spano packs 900 hp, acres of carbon fiber

Spania GTA Spano packs 900 hp, acres of carbon fiber originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Mar 2013 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Guy puts crazy effort into recreating Lamborghini V10 engine sound with beer can

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 12:45:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Lamborghini

In the picture above it is clear that a guy is holding a misshapen beer can to his lips - he's not drinking from it, he's using it to help him recreate the sound of a V10 engine. That's right: one man, one can, and the wail of one ten-cylinder motor.

But we cannot stress enough that this is not your average beer-can trick. In the nearly seven-minute video demonstrating how to do it yourself, he turns into Bill Nye the Science Guy, providing a waveform of the sound of a V10 with high, mid, and low frequency breakdowns and glossal interactions with the can, plus aural relationships to "a third major chord" that he replicates with a keyboard. Science class and fun, you'll find them in the video below.

Continue reading Guy puts crazy effort into recreating Lamborghini V10 engine sound with beer can

Guy puts crazy effort into recreating Lamborghini V10 engine sound with beer can originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Dec 2012 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SRT Viper to be sold at only one fifth of Chrysler dealers

George Kennedy — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Chrysler, Dodge

Only one fifth of Chrysler Group dealers will have the chance to sell 2013 SRT Viper, according to an Automotive News report. To qualify for the V10 beast, a hopeful dealer will have to train staff and purchase special tools, as well as improve their facilities. This does not guarantee the ability to sell the Viper. It merely keeps the dealer on the list of potential suitors.

SRT CEO Ralph Gilles spoke with journalists in a broadcast interview in Detroit this month, lining out the plan for dealers intent on selling the 8.4-liter snake: "We're going to open it up to any dealer who can put up the money ... you've got to have the training, the facilities, and some history of selling Vipers and SRTs in general."

While Chrysler has not yet announced the number of Vipers to be built each year, it will certainly be a limited run, and not every dealer will have the opportunity to put one in their showroom. According to Gilles, they want only the best dealers carrying their 640-horsepower super car.

"There's going to be a new breed of customer coming, so we want to make sure they have a great experience," said Gilles.

SRT Viper to be sold at only one fifth of Chrysler dealers originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Jul 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: ViperCuda combines classic muscle car with modern V10

Chris Tutor — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Convertible, Performance, Auctions, Etc., Dodge

Ever wish your 1971 Plymouth Barracuda had just a wee bit more power and the ability to negotiate curves? Got an extra $180,000 laying around? That's what this Vipercuda will cost you on eBay.

Don't think it's just an expensive engine transplant, though. Beneath that 40-year-old, long hood, short deck 'Cuda body is all snake. The Viper's 450-hp engine, 18-inch front, 19-inch rear wheels, suspension and even the two-seat interior were modified, customized and rearrangeified to attractively fit into what was a four-seat '70s muscle car.

The transmission is a six-speed manual Tremec mated to a heavy duty 3.07 rear. Exhaust is a custom setup with dual pipes, glasspacks and resonators exiting the rear instead of the side. Dual Aldan coilovers assist the stock Viper suspension.

The hood is electrically operated to open and tilt forward for easy viewing of that massive V10. Topping off the package are the tastefully-done, flat black snakes on the rear quarter panels. It's an impressive build, to be sure, but is it worth its asking price?

eBay Find of the Day: ViperCuda combines classic muscle car with modern V10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infographic: Ford 6.8L V10 to tow world's largest float

Chris Shunk — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Etc., Ford

The Rose Bowl - The Grandaddy Of Them All, as they say - is one of the most storied bowl games in college football, and the pre-game parade is a big part of the pageantry of the event. Last year, Natural Balance broke the record for the world's largest float with an 84,300-pound rolling display, but the pet food company seems thirsty for more world-record glory.

For 2012, Natural Balance is building a 100,000-pound monstrosity that is 116 feet long and contains a 65-foot wave pool built specifically for one Tillman the Dog. Tillman will be surfing the waves on the float, which sounds impressive if you didn't already know that this super dog is also an avid skateboarder.

To tow this massive float, the folks at Natural Balance are counting on power from the tried-and-true Ford 6.8-liter V10. The 362 horsepower mill, which boasts 457 pound-feet of torque, is completely stock. The same can be said for the six-speed automatic transmission, save for a custom gear reduction setup behind the output shaft to get the float moving. The beefy 10-pot was pulled directly from an F-650, but we're guessing the 28-foot long truck won't be getting a 100,000-pound tow rating anytime soon.

Hit the jump to check out the entire infographic for yourself. You'll learn that the float is larger than 2,000 Tillmans, and you'll also catch a glance of the custom rig that will house Ford's big V10.

Continue reading Infographic: Ford 6.8L V10 to tow world's largest float

Infographic: Ford 6.8L V10 to tow world's largest float originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Dec 2011 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The LFA-powered Lexus GS rumor that won't die

Zach Bowman — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 18:33:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Etc., Lexus, Rumormill

When society finally crumbles and the human race vanishes from the face of the Earth, the cockroaches will still be passing around certain automotive rumors. Their antennae will twitch with whispers of an independent-rear-suspension Mustang and a mid-engined Chevrolet Corvette. Now it appears that they'll have a new story to chew on. The rumor of the V10-powered Lexus GS simply refuses to die off. Autocar reports that Lexus has its eye on crafting a BMW M5 fighter, and that the vehicle will boast none other than aversion of the snarling V10 found at the heart of the Lexus LFA.

Don't get us wrong. The mere thought sends our saliva glands into overdrive, even if hopped-up GS would come packing 4.6 liters instead of 4.8 as Autocar suggests. The report claims that the reduced displacement would yield around 450 horsepower. Don't get too excited, though. All of this rumor-stoking appears to be based on the sole fact that shadowy figures inside Lexus have said that the company "would love" to build a high-performance V8. That's far from being carved in stone.

The LFA-powered Lexus GS rumor that won't die originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Nov 2011 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mopar announces 800-hp V10 crate engine at SEMA

Noah Joseph — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Dodge, Racing

It may be another year or two before the next-generation Dodge Viper comes rumbling in, all 8.7 liters of it. But even though there is no Viper currently on offer, that doesn't mean there isn't some V10 power to be had. If you're a drag racer, anyway.

The Chrysler Group's performance catalog division Mopar has just announced the availability of a V10 crate engine designed for drag racers, and the figures are positively mind-blowing. The Competition crate engine - hand-built and ordered up as Part Number P5144872 - offers a staggering 800 horsepower and 695 lb-ft of torque. Mind you, that's coming out of 512 cubic inches (8.4 liters) of displacement, which is staggering in and of itself, but amounts to 95 horsepower per liter. Which is a lot, but not by racing standards.

Those who enjoy their ten cylinders of power away from the drag strip can opt for a 150-horsepower upgrade kit for the MkIII Viper that takes output up to 650 hp. There's also a new high-output, aluminum-block 426 Hemi V8 available with 590 horsepower, an adapter kit that allows the Hemi to drive the front wheels(!) and a Challenger body-in-white for race teams. Check out the full details in the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Mopar announces 800-hp V10 crate engine at SEMA

Mopar announces 800-hp V10 crate engine at SEMA originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dinan V10 track engine glows purple, accelerates BMW M5 to plaid

Zach Bowman — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Etc., Videos, BMW, Specialty, Racing

We love the 5.0-liter V10 from BMW. Besides having an affinity for any engine with more than eight cylinders, the torque-happy five-liter sounds like straight glory and is happy to induce all sorts of tail-wagging fun from the outgoing M5. That doesn't mean there's not room for improvement, however. The minds at Dinan have taken the time to put the engine through the standard performance ringer by boring and stroking the block to a full 5.8-liters, dropping a set of performance cams into the head, bolting on a dry-sump oil system and wrapping the whole project up with a set of racing exhaust headers.

What did all of that effort net? How does 720 naturally-aspirated horsepower at 8,300 rpm and 497 pound-feet of torque grab you? The engine was specifically designed to be used in the Riley Technologies 2011 MKXXV track day car. We just like seeing it punish the engine stand and light its exhaust purple. Hit the jump to watch and hear for yourself.

Continue reading Dinan V10 track engine glows purple, accelerates BMW M5 to plaid

Dinan V10 track engine glows purple, accelerates BMW M5 to plaid originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Oct 2011 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru Impreza plus BMW V10 engine equals awesome

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Videos, BMW, Subaru

Subaru loves boxers. No, not the kind that beat each other into bloody pulps, we're talking about the engine design, which places the cylinders directly across a horizontal plane, almost like they are swinging alternating punches away from the crankshaft - hence, the boxer name.

There are lots of good reasons to love the boxer engine - it allows for a decidedly low center of gravity and is inherently smooth due to its built-in balance - and Subie has certainly done much to advance the configuration since the days of the original Volkswagen Beetle (also boxer-powered). But what if you want your cylinders arranged in a V?

Well then, there's always the ever-popular engine swap. While some would be content to drop in the tried-and-true Chevy V8, not everyone wants Bowtie power in their engine bays. At least one Subaru Impreza owner decided on nothing less than a BMW V10 ripped from under the hood of an M5.

Thankfully, we have video evidence that such a beating-heart transplant can pay big dividends. See for yourself in the video after the break, which was apparently shot just after the conversion was completed and before the engine had been fully tuned. Enjoy!

Continue reading Subaru Impreza plus BMW V10 engine equals awesome

Subaru Impreza plus BMW V10 engine equals awesome originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Sep 2011 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mopar Challenger V-10 Drag Pak sets NHRA AA/SA records

Aaron Richardson — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Dodge, Specialty, Racing

2011 Mopar Dodge Challenger V10 Drag Pak - Click above for larger image

The Mopar Dodge Challenger V10 Drag Pak debuted just shy of a month ago and has already stormed its way into the NHRA record books. Driver Dave Thomas laid down a 9.43-second pass at 143.90 mph at a test session April 7, simultaneously setting the elapsed time and mile-per-hour records for the AA/SA class.

Thomas' record is all the more impressive when you consider that he made his first-ever passes in the car the Sunday before the record run. With capabilities in the nine-second range almost as soon as it comes out of the box, we expect there are quicker times to be pulled out of the only V10-powered factory dragster.

As a refresher, the V10 Drag Pak carries a slightly modified version of the 500 cubic-inch mill from the Viper mated to a two-speed race-only transmission and a Mopar solid-axle rear end. The car comes ready to race, with an NHRA-approved roll cage, fuel system and racing wheels and tires. Full press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Mopar Dodge Challenger V10 Drag Pak

[Source: Mopar]

Continue reading Mopar Challenger V-10 Drag Pak sets NHRA AA/SA records

Mopar Challenger V-10 Drag Pak sets NHRA AA/SA records originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 10 Apr 2011 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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United Kingdom mad man to stuff Viper V10 into a Jensen Interceptor

Jeff Glucker — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Chrysler, Dodge, UK

Italian design and American V8 muscle are two great tastes that taste great together. The mad minds at Jensen understood this and the Interceptor was born into the world. The style was handled by Carrozzeria Touring and the power was provided in two forms: a Chrysler 6.3-liter V8 and later, a larger 7.2-liter unit. The spirit behind this car is still alive and well over in the United Kingdom, because one man is creating his version of a 21st Century Interceptor.

Brook Anderson reached out to PistonHeads.com in order to share his build saga. Anderson is in the middle of turning his Jensen Interceptor into the Viperceptor. Rather than simply stuffing an 8.3-liter Viper V10 into the engine bay and hoping for the best, Anderson has also added new suspension and large brakes to keep things (relatively) sane. Smart move on his part, since the 8.3-liter V10 is good for 510 horsepower and 535 pound-feet of torque.

Mr. Anderson, we salute you... American style.

[Source: PistonHeads.com]

United Kingdom mad man to stuff Viper V10 into a Jensen Interceptor originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Nov 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Dodge teases Viper V10-powered 300C [UPDATED]

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Videos, Chrysler, Dodge, Specialty

Chrysler 300C gets Frankensteined with a Viper V10 - Click above to watch video after the jump

Red Letter Dodge, the official Dodge blog, has an oh-so-short clip of a Viper-engined 300C doing a circle in a parking lot. Not a donut, mind you, just an out-and-back. The video itself is rather underwhelming, so don't say you weren't warned, but since it comes from an official outlet, we have to imagine that there'll be something far more compelling soon enough. For now, to get a taste of what a 300C hiding a Viper V10 looks and sounds like, check the vid after the jump.

UPDATE: And all that speculation (and hope) was for nought: reader Viper GTS-R wrote to let us know that the car was a project out of Florida and is nothing official. It is a manual transmission and Viper GTS-R also guesses that the engine came from a Ram truck, not the snake. Thanks for the tip, Viper GTS-R

[Source: Red Letter Dodge]

Continue reading Video: Dodge teases Viper V10-powered 300C [UPDATED]

Video: Dodge teases Viper V10-powered 300C [UPDATED] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 17 Oct 2010 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Wiesmann coupe prototype looking sinister

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 12:57:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, MISC

Spy Shots: Wiesmann Coupe prototype - Click above for high-res image gallery

Wiesmann, builder of exotic sport coupes that boast BMW power, has been working out a problem. The issue is that its sporty two-door MF5 and GT MF5 both featured V10 Teutonic muscle, but that engine has since been put to sleep. Apparently, they've now figured out what mill they want to place under their cars' long snouts. Spy photographers in Germany managed to capture a blacked-out Wiesmann GT MF5 taking a cruise and stopping for fuel.

Wiesmann have stated that even though the V10 has gone away, the MF5 will not. New versions will be produced utilizing an as-yet unannounced BMW engine. Our guess? The new 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 that will be found in the next-generation BMW M5/M6. That would be a nice jump in power for the Wiesmann MF5, since the V10 was rated at 500 horsepower and the new twin-turbo V8 is rated closer to 560 hp.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Wiesmann Coupe

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Wiesmann coupe prototype looking sinister originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Oct 2010 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: 2011 Audi R8 GT priced from $198,000

Jeff Glucker — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 12:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Audi

Paris 2010: Audi R8 GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

Only 333 will be produced, so if you want a 2011 Audi R8 GT you'd better act fast. In fact, only a third of that number are slated to hit US soil. Audi has announced pricing for the R8 GT, and the limited-production sports coupe will cost you $198,000.

The most super of the R8 supercar family, the R8 GT drops weight and adds power. Audi has managed to shed 220 pounds from the standard R8 while pushing the output of the 5.2-liter V10 engine up from 525 to 560 horsepower. The car will only be offered with the single-clutch R-Tronic semi-automatic transmission. It's a shame we won't see an R8 GT fitted with the six-speed manual gearbox, but it's nice to see hi-po versions of popular cars arriving on our shores.

The Audi R8 GT is slated to hit dealer showrooms next summer.

Gallery: Paris 2010: Audi R8 GT

Report: 2011 Audi R8 GT priced from $198,000 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 10 Oct 2010 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW announces end of M6 production

Zach Bowman — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Europe, BMW, Luxury

2010 BMW M6 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Like it or not, it's officially time to say auf wiedersehen to the potent M6. BMW has just announced that it has ceased production of both the M6 coupe and convertible. The uniquely styled GT cars primarily found favor here in the U.S., with a total of 3,528 of the hardtops and 3,247 convertibles sold on American soil. In total, the company managed to sell 14,152 of the cars since production of the M6 started in 2005. As you may recall, the drophead version didn't hit the assembly line until 2006.

We're sure the loss of the M6 is a heartbreak to some out there, but we know that there's a replacement model on the horizon, and we're more morose over the news that BMW is also sending the muscular V10 at the heart of the car to pasture at the same time. That's right, kids. BMW is no longer planning to shoehorn a 10-pot into any vehicle it makes, opting instead for forced induction and eight cylinders. The 5.0-liter engine with its astronomical 8,250 rpm redline is the stuff of mechanical daydreams. Or at least it was. Hit the jump for the full press blast.

Gallery: 2010 BMW M6

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW announces end of M6 production

BMW announces end of M6 production originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Medium-duty Ford F-Series trucks to get 6.8-liter V10

Zach Bowman — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 16:19:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Technology, Work, Ford, Off-Road

If you've been itching to hop into the driver's seat of a new Ford medium duty truck, but want a powerful gasoline alternative to the company's diesel engines, you're in luck. The Blue Oval has announced it will shoehorn its 6.8-liter V10 engine into the big SuperDuty trucks starting in the 2012 model year. The engine cranks out 362 horsepower and 457 pound-feet of torque, and will be mated to the company's TorqueShift six-speed automatic transmission. The gearbox was originally built just for the ridiculous torque levels of the company's 6.7-liter turbo-diesel, so odds are it should have no problem handling the more manageable twist of the V10.

The big-boy ten-pot uses a number of unique design elements. For starters, there are three valves per cylinder - two intake and one exhaust - to help balance performance and affordability. Likewise, Ford has incorporated an intake system with both tall and short runners to allow the V10 to operate at peak power at both low and high RPM.

Ford also says that it will offer a number of alternative fuel packages for the V10, allowing the trucks to run on compressed natural gas or liquid petroleum gas depending on the owner's preference. Buyers can expect to see the trucks hit dealer lots by the fourth quarter of 2011. Hit the jump for the press release.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Medium-duty Ford F-Series trucks to get 6.8-liter V10

Medium-duty Ford F-Series trucks to get 6.8-liter V10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Jul 2010 16:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Brazilian Amoritz GT DR7 Supercar teased

Zach Bowman — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Specialty, South America, Design/Style

Amoritz GT DR7 Supercar - Click above for high-res image

Brazil really does have quite a bit going for it. Aside from being the largest nation in South America and having some of the most beautiful people on the planet, the country is slowly beginning to test the supercar waters. Need proof? Look no further than the Amoritz GT DR7.

We'll have to forgive the GT DR7 for looking suspiciously like a very cab-forward Gallardo just because of what's lurking in the engine bay. Armoritz has chosen to shoe-horn an ethanol-guzzling 8.4-liter V10 borrowed from none other than the Dodge Viper amidships. The company says it's expecting north of 600 horsepower to come galloping forth from the ten-pot and we see no reason to disagree.

The Armoritz GT DR7 is slated for an official unveil this October, at which point we're sure the company will be happy to supply you with a set of keys for the right amount of coin. How much? It's anyone's guess at this point, but considering the cost of most mid-engine V10 terrors on the road these days, it won't be cheap.

[Source: Car Place via Motor Authority]

Brazilian Amoritz GT DR7 Supercar teased originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Apr 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Audi R8 to spawn sportier model, dual-clutch gearbox cometh

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Audi

Audi R8 V10 - Click above for high-res image gallery

We already know that Audi plans to fit the standard R8's 420-hp, 4.2-liter V8 into its all-new Spyder variant early next year, and now comes word that at least one more version of the R8 is in the pipeline and that the R tronic sequential automatic might not be long for this world.

According to company insiders speaking with Car and Driver, the herky-jerky gearbox will likely be dispatched in favor of Audi's new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. There's no word on the amount of torque the DCT can handle, but considering how much better the R8 V10 performed with the standard sequential tranny, we'd suspect that the dual-clutch setup will make its way onto the V8 models only. And if you're worried about the gated six-speed manual being nixed from the options list, don't be - it will continue to be available on all models.

C&D also reports that a sportier version of the R8, inspired by the LMS model, could be in the cards, packing more power (think: Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera) and a not-so-insignificant weight reduction thanks to the liberal use of carbon fiber. Expect that to only be available on the V10 model and yes, a fully-electric version based on the original e-tron concept is supposedly on the way and due to arrive in a few year's time.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI V10

Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Car and Driver]

Report: Audi R8 to spawn sportier model, dual-clutch gearbox cometh originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fewer Cylinders, More Power: Car outlines the 2011 BMW M5

Noah Joseph — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, BMW

2011 BMW 5 Series - Click above for high-res image gallery

The wraps are off the new BMW 5 Series, and you know what that means: you guessed it, a new M5. The successor to the high-revving V10 super-sedan has been the subject of much conjecture and speculation, but Britain's Car magazine believes they've got it pegged.

According to the English glossy mag of record, the new M5 will arrive in 2011 after a show debut in late 2010 or early 2011 - and when it does, it figures to be a real bahnstormer. Put any thoughts of the horsepower wars being over to rest, because while the new M5 is expected to drop its V10 in favor of the company's grunty 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, the new super-sled is tipped to be even quicker. About a third-of-a-second quicker to 60 mph, with a top speed limited still to 155 mph but capable of 188 if de-restricted. Yowza.

The M division is said to have cranked some extra juice out of the twin-turbo eight, up from 555-horsepower to 578, coupled to 530 pound-feet of torque. That's more in both columns than the same unit in the X6 M or in the outgoing M5. All this while returning 30-percent better fuel economy. Regenerative braking is also expected to be part of the package, derived from Munich's now-defunct Formula One racing program. But those hoping for a wagon variant will be disappointed, according to Car mag, as BMW is reportedly axing the not-for-U.S. Touring bodystyle.

Gallery: 2011 BMW 5 Series sedan

[Source: Car]

Fewer Cylinders, More Power: Car outlines the 2011 BMW M5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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