Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/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/ Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[Lotus celebrates return to F1 with Exige S Type 72]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/lotus-celebrates-return-to-f1-with-exige-s-type-72/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/lotus-celebrates-return-to-f1-with-exige-s-type-72/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/lotus-celebrates-return-to-f1-with-exige-s-type-72/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Lotus Exige S Type 72 - Click above for high-res image gallery

After a 15-year hiatus, Lotus is coming back to Formula One, and to commemorate its return to the top tier of motorsport, the Hethel crew is creating yet another special Exige inspired by the Type 72 that dominated F1 in the Seventies.

Like nearly every other limited edition Lotus released in the last few years, the Exige S Type 72 is little more than a repainted, kitted-up version of its midship masterpiece. The supercharged, 1.8-liter inline four remains unchanged, putting out 220 horsepower and allowing the two-tone coupe to sprint to 60 in 4.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 145 mph.

A set of carbon fiber ProBax sport seats swathed in black microfiber with contrast stitching ties in with the exterior's gold wheels and emblems, while standard twin oil coolers and an adjustable front anti-roll bar round out the mechanical upgrades.

Lotus has slated 20 Type 72s for sale in the UK, with another 20 destined for markets outside of the mainland (no word on U.S. distribution), each carrying a price tag of £35,995 or 40,332 euro. Not cheap, but then again, how do you put a price on nostalgia?


Gallery: Lotus Exige S Type 72

Continue reading Lotus celebrates return to F1 with Exige S Type 72

Lotus celebrates return to F1 with Exige S Type 72 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> exige sExigeSlotusLotus Exige S Type 72LotusExigeSType72type 72type-72Type72 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 20:00:00 EST <![CDATA[Pics Aplenty: Mansory Cyrus goes out and about]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/pics-aplenty-mansory-cyrus-goes-out-and-about/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/pics-aplenty-mansory-cyrus-goes-out-and-about/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/pics-aplenty-mansory-cyrus-goes-out-and-about/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,


Mansory Cypress - Click above for high-res image gallery

Besides talking to the cute blond at the Audi booth, your Autobloggers spent the most time at this year's Frankfurt show arguing in front of the Mansory booth. Why? Some of us simply loved the all carbon fiber Cyrus, while others thought reskinning an Aston Martin DB9 in unpainted CF wasn't the best possible use of all that sci-fi plastic. Also (of course) there was the matte pink Vitesse Rose, which... no comment.

Anyhow, Mansory just released a plethora of images showing the world what the Cyrus looks like when it's on the road. The naysayers among us will no doubt be forced to admit that the Cyrus does look better at speed, though we're still quite anti- fake roof scoop, as well as the glued-on rear quarter panels. Is $600,000ish too much to spend on top of a DB9's based price for all that baked plastic goodness? You be the judge.


Gallery: Mansory Cyrus


[Source: Mansory]

Pics Aplenty: Mansory Cyrus goes out and about originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Carbon FiberCarbonFiberCyrusMansoryMansory CyrusMansory Cyrus - Aston Martin DB9Mansory Cyrus DB9MansoryCyrusMansoryCyrus-AstonMartinDb9MansoryCyrusDb9 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:58:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Track-focused, budget-oriented Toyota FT-86 on the way]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/report-track-focused-budget-oriented-toyota-ft-86-on-the-way/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/report-track-focused-budget-oriented-toyota-ft-86-on-the-way/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/report-track-focused-budget-oriented-toyota-ft-86-on-the-way/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , ,

Toyota FT-86 Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

The latest issue of EVO hasn't dropped into our laps yet, but our favorite Brit pub apparently got the scoop on another variant of the Toyota FT-86 -- one that's supposedly track tuned and considerably cheaper than the model due to arrive in 2011.

Powered by the same Subaru-sourced, Toyota-tuned boxer four, this supposedly stripped out variant could dispatch some of the standard model's amenities and come equipped with upgraded brakes and suspension components specifically designed for track work and drifting duty. According to EVO, a fully optioned FT-86 would carry a price tag of around $27,000, while this budget-oriented performance model will retail for around $22,000 -- a similar setup to the Hyundai Genesis Coupe RSpec.

EVO goes on to report that Toyota's crosstown rivals are working on a one-make race series for the Honda CR-Z and plan to campaign the hybrid hatch at the 24 hours of Nurburgring enduro in May. The more the merrier we say...


Gallery: Toyota FT-86 Concept in the Studio


[Source: EVO via FT86Club via Jalopnik]

REPORT: Track-focused, budget-oriented Toyota FT-86 on the way originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> crzft-86ft86hondahonda cr-zhonda crzHondaCr-zHondaCrztoyotatoyota ft-86toyota ft86ToyotaFt-86ToyotaFt86 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:28:00 EST <![CDATA[Mysterious Dutch billionaire behind Spyker's renewed Saab bid?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/mysterious-dutch-billionaire-behind-spykers-renewed-saab-bid/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/mysterious-dutch-billionaire-behind-spykers-renewed-saab-bid/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/mysterious-dutch-billionaire-behind-spykers-renewed-saab-bid/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Saab: A history in pictures - click above for high-res gallery

Too bad Saab couldn't get this much ink while they were fully-alive. That's right folks, another day, another story about the undead Swedish brand. Just-Auto.com is reporting that a mystery Dutch investor is behind Spyker's 11th-hour bid for Saab. As we've learned, it's best not to do any Saab reporting of any kind without first checking in with the crazy kind folks over at Saabs United.

And guess what? They're pointing to an article in Holland's Telegraff that states the mystery billionaire is (maybe) none other than... Marcel Boekhoorn. We've never heard of him either, but apparently he's quite rich. Boekhoorn, for his part, denies any such deal, stating, "All not true. It is invented." However, Mr. Boekhoorn is a Spyker investor and reportedly acts as an adviser to Spyker owner Victor Muller. Let's not forget that Spyker's stock price swelled 23.5% after their renewed bid for Saab. Mr Boekhoorn's also an investor in Telegraaf...

Reportedly, one of the eleven qualms that General Motors had with selling Saab was over some of the Russian investors tied up with Spyker - fears of Saab's technology falling into Russian hands and all that. As it turns out, Spyker's main investors, Vladimir and Alexander Antonov who together own a 29.3 percent stake in the Dutch sports car maker, are not behind the renewed deal. Nor is the Abu Dhabi state investment fund Mubadala Development, which owns 22.7 percent.

Could it be that GM is only talking to Spyker and the Swedish government because of this maybe-mysterious Dutch billionaire investor? Short answer, yes. Besides, it's not December 31 yet, GM's original deadline for offloading Saab. We'll keep you posted.


Gallery: Saab- A History in Pictures


[Sources: Just-Auto; Saabs United; Telegraaf]

Mysterious Dutch billionaire behind Spyker's renewed Saab bid? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> General MotorsGeneral Motors SaabGeneral Motors Saab SpykerGeneralMotorsGeneralMotorsSaabGeneralMotorsSaabSpykerGMHollandMarcel BoekhoornMarcelBoekhoornSaabSaab saleSaab SpykerSaabSaleSaabSpykerSpykerSweden Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:31:00 EST <![CDATA[Aston Martin One-77 closes in on being fastest car in marque's history, breaks 220 mph]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/aston-martin-one-77-closes-in-on-being-fastest-car-in-marques-h/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/aston-martin-one-77-closes-in-on-being-fastest-car-in-marques-h/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/aston-martin-one-77-closes-in-on-being-fastest-car-in-marques-h/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Aston Martin One-77 development mule - click above for high-res image gallery

Move over Jaguar XJ220. At 217 mph, your top end is just too slow. Hell, move over Batmobile. Why? The Aston Martin One-77, Britain's most expensive car ever, is now nearly its fastest. If not for the pesky, eternal problem of the McLaren F1 and its 241 mph top end, the One-77 would be the fastest production car in the history of Old Blighty. As it stands, or in this case flies, a One-77 has just crested 220 mph.

Can the latest and no question greatest from Aston Martin go even faster? Probably, as AM was quick to point out, that the 220 mph velocity was achieved in "dry, but windy conditions." Never forget the amount of power this 7.3-liter V12 beastie makes - between 700 and 740 horsepower, and around 553 lb-ft of torque. For the sake of national pride, the McLaren F1 produced "just" 627 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. Obviously, the 2,514 pound F1 is much lighter than the 3,308 pound One-77, however, which actually makes 220 mph run all the more impressive.

0-60 mph? Quarter mile? Lateral acceleration? We don't know yet, but we do know that Aston Martin will keep us up to date as soon as all that information gets logged. For its part, the matte gray beauty you see above is at a "top secret proving ground in southern Europe" where its being flogged about in anticipation of the One-77's mid-2010 release. If not for the £1.25 million price tag (just shy of $2M Yankee bucks), we'd be losing sleep. Full press release after the jump.


Gallery: Aston Martin One-77 220 mph


[Source: Aston Martin]

Continue reading Aston Martin One-77 closes in on being fastest car in marque's history, breaks 220 mph

Aston Martin One-77 closes in on being fastest car in marque's history, breaks 220 mph originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 1-772011 Aston Martin 0ne-772011AstonMartin0ne-77astonAston MartinAston Martin One-77AstonMartinAstonMartinOne-77jaguar XJ220JaguarXj220McLaren F1MclarenF1One-77speed recordSpeedRecord Tue, 22 Dec 2009 10:57:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Spyker stock soars on word of Saab sale reconsideration]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/report-spyker-stock-soars-on-word-of-saab-sale-reconsideration/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/report-spyker-stock-soars-on-word-of-saab-sale-reconsideration/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/report-spyker-stock-soars-on-word-of-saab-sale-reconsideration/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



Here's the skinny: Saab isn't totally dead yet. As the weekend showed, there's (a little) hope for both Saab and its Dutch suitor, Spyker. As our man Ramsey laid out yesterday, Spyker submitted a renewed eleven-point plan to General Motors that they (Spyker) hopes will allow them to take ownership of the deeply troubled brand. And yes, being pronounced dead four days ago counts as "deeply troubled." As Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt pointed out, all this dead/not dead uncertainty has been throwing Saab employees, "between hope and despair."

Meanwhile, a (perhaps) unintended consequence of Spyker's eleventh hour rebid is that their stock has soared up 23.5 percent. Now, as some of you well know, Spyker isn't very big. They sold just forty-three cars last year and their market cap was just 26.6 million euros before the stock shot up. Still, if Spyker plays their cards right, this spike in value could have long term benefits, but only if they secure a deal for Saab.

Says one anonymous analyst to Reuters, "The stock's value is close to nothing but if they succeed to buy Saab, invest, and turn the company around then the shares can become valuable." Trouble is, GM only has until 5:00 pm EST today to sell Saab. For we're not sure why, but Spyker is making this a very limited time offer. If we had to guess, it's in order to force a deal. For its part, General Motors is "reviewing several new expressions of interest" for Saab, one of which according to Saabs United is Merbanco.

Should the Spyker deal (and all other deals) fall through, 3,400 Swedish workers will lose their jobs, and the 1,100 Saab dealerships worldwide will be forced to shutter. The Swedish government is in crisis talks with Saab officials right now should such a worst case scenario transpire. As for now, the Saab remains the same - i.e. mostly dead. One last thing, here's an interesting reflection on the demise of Saab by AB pal Jack Baruth.

[Sources: Reuters; Saabs United; Speed:Sport:Life | Image: Gabriel Bouys/AFP/Getty]

REPORT: Spyker stock soars on word of Saab sale reconsideration originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Fredrik ReinfeldtFredrikReinfeldtGeneral MotorsGeneral Motors SaabGeneralMotorsGeneralMotorsSaabGMSaabSpykerSpyker SaabSpyker StockSpykerSaabSpykerStockstock pricestock pricesStockPriceStockPricesSweden Mon, 21 Dec 2009 14:01:00 EST <![CDATA[Review: 2009 MTM Audi A3 Sportback is a singular sport (with) utility]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/review-2009-mtm-audi-a3-sportback-is-a-singular-sport-with-ut/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/review-2009-mtm-audi-a3-sportback-is-a-singular-sport-with-ut/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/review-2009-mtm-audi-a3-sportback-is-a-singular-sport-with-ut/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

2009 MTM Audi A3 Sportback - Click above for high-res image gallery

In the automotive world, price is increasingly a function of degrees. How's that? Dial in a faster windscreen angle, aggressively rake the rear glass and - voilà! - you've just padded your margins to the tune of a few thousand bucks. Take a plain-jane sedan, hire some stylists to turn it into a "four-door coupe" with a racy greenhouse, and you can use the same mechanicals and still charge a mint. The same goes for crossovers - just steepen the backlight and you're in the ducats. Not convinced? See the Mercedes-Benz CLS and BMW X6 for field notes.

MTM is planning on selling only 15 of these in the U.S.
We note all of this because we're sure you're going to look at the upright profile of this MTM Audi A3 Sportback and dismissively turn up your nose when you learn its pricetag is around $55,000. But if we lopped off a couple of doors or gave it a less formal roofline, we'd be willing to bet that its price would suddenly look a lot more palatable. All of which is understandable, really, as $55k is a lot of coin to be shelling out - especially considering that at a few shekels over $27k, a base A3 starts at roughly half the money.

But shelve your bodystyle prejudices and bear with us for a moment. If you're like us, you've looked longingly at a lot of what the Four-Ringed Wunder has been kicking out on its home continent - models like the RS6 Avant, TT-RS and S3. And unless you've got some seriously deep pockets, an inside man on the gray market and a relative who owes you a favor at the local DMV, you haven't got a prayer of landing any such tasty treats here in the U.S. So while the folks at Motoren-Technik-Mayer (MTM) can't source you an assembly-line-fresh S3 for your middle-American driveway, they can build you a road-legal doppelganger, and as it turns out, that ain't half bad.

We've talked up the Audi A3's virtues and vices before, so we'll spare you the gab about how much we enjoy its well-resolved interior, grippy Quattro all-wheel drive, planted handling and surprising utility. We've also not been shy in mentioning how its price tag can get disastrously dear with just a brief once-over of Audi's options list - and that's before handing it over to a tuner like MTM. But enough with the apologies - ride along with us past the jump to see if this hot hatch is full of excuses... or full of win.


Gallery: Review: 2009 MTM Audi A3 Sportback


Photos by Chris Paukert / Copyright (C)2009 Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2009 MTM Audi A3 Sportback is a singular sport (with) utility

Review: 2009 MTM Audi A3 Sportback is a singular sport (with) utility originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2009 Audi A32009 Audi S32009AudiA32009AudiS3A3Audiaudi a3Audi MTMaudi s-lineaudi s3AudiA3AudiMtmAudiS-lineAudiS3dual-clutchfeaturedMotoren-Technik-MayerMTMMTM A3MTM AudiMTM S3MtmA3MtmAudiMtmS3QuattroreviewreviewsS-lines-tronicS3turbo Mon, 21 Dec 2009 11:57:00 EST <![CDATA[<i>Automobile</i> announces 2010 All-Stars]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/20/automobile-announces-2010-all-stars/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/20/automobile-announces-2010-all-stars/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/20/automobile-announces-2010-all-stars/#comments Filed under: , ,

Automobile's 2010 All Stars

When Automobile magazine put together a list of potential all-star cars, 39 new models made the initial cut from the Audi A3 and (Euro-edition) Honda Civic to the Ferrari 599GTB Fiorano and Tesla Roadster. From that selection, only ten cars ascended to the winner's circle.

Each of the 39 finalists makes a solid case for being included, although a few did raise an eyebrow -- we really enjoy the Malibu and love the G-Class, for instance, but didn't expect to see them here. The ten that took honors are all worthy to a wheel, but again, an eyebrow or two did take note -- neither the aforementioned Ferrari nor the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG made it, but the Camaro and BMW Z4 did.

Don't let that take anything away though; these things are subjective, and every winner deserved it. Even the Dodge Ram 1500. Click here for the full list of winners and reasons.

[Source: Automobile]

Automobile announces 2010 All-Stars originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Dec 2009 17:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> automobile magazineAutomobileMagazineawards-main Sun, 20 Dec 2009 17:19:00 EST <![CDATA[Great Wall cars headed to Europe in 2010]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/20/great-wall-cars-headed-to-europe-in-2010/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/20/great-wall-cars-headed-to-europe-in-2010/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/20/great-wall-cars-headed-to-europe-in-2010/#comments Filed under: , ,

Great Wall Phenom
Great Wall Phenom Concept -- Click above for high-res image

Not to be deterred by the woes and recent fate of Brilliance -- or perhaps, having learned from it -- vehicles from Great Wall, the Chinese automaker, will be imported to Europe next year by the UK-based I.M. Group. Brilliance, you might remember, suffered a disastrous couple of crash tests that doomed the company's chances pretty much everywhere. Even after it rebounded with a much improved design, people couldn't un-see and un-remember the catastrophe that was the BS6, and the company's German importer went under.

I.M. Group already imports Subaru, Isuzu, and Daihatsu. That not only gives it some of the best experience possible in bringing Asian cars to Europe, that means it isn't solely reliant on Great Wall to be a success. As well, I.M. is starting with Eastern Europe, planning imports to Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania first, with further expansion planned for 2011.

We'll say for the record that if Great Wall builds the Phenom Concept (pictured) as is, and the car gets a good crash rating, we'd have absolutely no problem giving it a try. Even with a that grille. You can read the I.M. Group's release after the jump.

[Source: I.M. Group]

Continue reading Great Wall cars headed to Europe in 2010

Great Wall cars headed to Europe in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Dec 2009 12:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chinaeuropegreat wallgreat wall phenom conceptGreatWallGreatWallPhenomConcepti m groupIMGroupphenomphenom conceptPhenomConcept Sun, 20 Dec 2009 12:36:00 EST <![CDATA[Behold, the Power of Subaru: WRX STI tows semi out of snow]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/20/behold-the-power-of-subaru-wrx-sti-tows-semi-out-of-snow/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/20/behold-the-power-of-subaru-wrx-sti-tows-semi-out-of-snow/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/20/behold-the-power-of-subaru-wrx-sti-tows-semi-out-of-snow/#comments Filed under: , ,

Unlikely tow truck
A Subaru WRX STi pulls a semi stuck in the snow -- Click above to watch the video

Somewhere in the snow that's falling all over the northern hemisphere, a tractor-trailer got stuck on some slushy ice and snow, blocking a city street. That helpless semi was then strapped to a Subaru WRX STI, and the little engine -- and AWD -- that could, extricated the truck from its predicament.

That's cool enough on its own. Yet, what we really want to know is the backstory - did someone say "Don't worry about a wrecker. If you see a blue sedan with gold wheels and a giant wing, and it growls, that's all we need..."? Follow the jump to see it all unfold on video. Thanks for the tip, Roy!

[Source: Tastes Like Pizza]

Continue reading Behold, the Power of Subaru: WRX STI tows semi out of snow

Behold, the Power of Subaru: WRX STI tows semi out of snow originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Dec 2009 10:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> europeSubarusubaru wrx stiSubaruWrxStivideo Sun, 20 Dec 2009 10:47:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Opel/Vauxhall CEO plans five-year product offensive]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/17/report-opel-vauxhall-ceo-plans-five-year-product-offensive/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/17/report-opel-vauxhall-ceo-plans-five-year-product-offensive/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/17/report-opel-vauxhall-ceo-plans-five-year-product-offensive/#comments Filed under: , , ,



Interim Opel CEO Nick Reilly has been overseeing the German firm for all of six weeks. And over that scant month and a half, he's conjured the way forward for Opel and Vauxhall and seems determined to leave nothing undone. Chatting with Auto Motor und Sport, Reilly intends to give Opel a little SUV on the Corsa platform, an Opel version of the Mini, a continuation of the Agila and an all-new electric car.

Opel would also be greater master of its own fate: Opel's tie with Suzuki will continue even with VW's recent move, but other Opels like the next Corsa would be developed in Germany. Such a vision, along with his already avowed hybrid push, would keep Opel exceedingly busy over the next five years. If his plans are achieved, it could put them in a very good spot come 2013. But there's a long way to go before all of that happens -- in the short-term GM first has to sort out the funds to keep the company running properly at all.

[Source: Autocar | Image: Thomas Lohnes/Getty]

REPORT: Opel/Vauxhall CEO plans five-year product offensive originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> general motorsGeneralMotorsgmnick reillyNickReillyopelvauxhall Thu, 17 Dec 2009 17:29:00 EST <![CDATA[VIDEO: Turbocharged BMW-powered Yugo highboy has us reconsidering the GV]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/17/video-turbocharged-bmw-powered-yugo-highboy-has-us-reconsiderin/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/17/video-turbocharged-bmw-powered-yugo-highboy-has-us-reconsiderin/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/17/video-turbocharged-bmw-powered-yugo-highboy-has-us-reconsiderin/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Vprache BMW six-cylinder turbo Yugo in hoon mode - Click above to watch video

In the beginning, there was a yellow Yugo GV. And when the folks at Vprache Racing cast their eyes over it, they thought it was missing something. So they gave it an 3.5-liter BMW inline six-cylinder transplant and added a turbo besides. And an intercooler mounted on the grille. And a high-rise lift job. Then they took it hooning. And that was the end of the first day.

When that wasn't enough, they added another turbo and fashioned arches to cover the exposed rubber. And then they took it drag racing. And that was the end of the second day. You can check out videos of the car in both iterations after the jump. It's fast. And in a yellow Yugo, you'd want to be.

[Sources: Tampa Sports Car Examiner; YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Turbocharged BMW-powered Yugo highboy has us reconsidering the GV

VIDEO: Turbocharged BMW-powered Yugo highboy has us reconsidering the GV originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> BMWbmw engineBmwEnginedrag racingDragRacingdriftinghoonhooningI6in-line-sixinline-6inline-sixvideoVpracheVprache racingVpracheRacingyugoYugo GVYugoGvzastava Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:55:00 EST <![CDATA[VIDEO: Lamborghini's Valentino Balboni drifting a Lamborghini Valentino Balboni]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/17/video-lamborghinis-valentino-balboni-drifting-a-lamborghini-va/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/17/video-lamborghinis-valentino-balboni-drifting-a-lamborghini-va/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/17/video-lamborghinis-valentino-balboni-drifting-a-lamborghini-va/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

All hail the drift king, Valentino Balboni - Click above to view the video after the jump

Fate is a funny thing. It was our destiny to get a ride with Valentino Balboni in a Lamborghini LP550-2 Valentino Balboni during rush hour traffic in Los Angeles. Lucky? Absolutely, though we may have crested 50 mph once... maybe. Would we have preferred to have been in the passenger seat of this here limeade green Valentino Balboni as Lamborghini's legendary test driver literally hoons the rear tires off the car? Dear God, yes!!

The following video is actually a pretty good demonstration of the difference between RWD and AWD vehicles. You'll see the Mr. Balboni flinging the LP550-2 around a corner, the rear sliding out a touch before he applies just a dab of oppo' to get the V10-powered, rear-wheel drive mini-monster back in line. This is followed by an AWD LP560-4 which simply can't break traction and sort of gracelessly shunts and shutters its way around the corner. Faster, no doubt -- but not nearly as fun to watch. And then there are sparks and smoke and trust us you'll love this. Watch the video, after the jump.

[Source: YouTube via Jalopnik]

Continue reading VIDEO: Lamborghini's Valentino Balboni drifting a Lamborghini Valentino Balboni

VIDEO: Lamborghini's Valentino Balboni drifting a Lamborghini Valentino Balboni originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> DriftDriftingLamborghiniLamborghini GallardoLamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino BalboniLamborghini Gallardo LP560-4Lamborghini LP550-2Lamborghini LP550-2 Valentino BalboniLamborghini LP560-4Lamborghini Valentino BalboniLamborghiniGallardoLamborghiniGallardoLp550-2ValentinoBalboniLamborghiniGallardoLp560-4LamborghiniLp550-2LamborghiniLp550-2ValentinoBalboniLamborghiniLp560-4LamborghiniValentinoBalboniLP550-2LP560-4Valentino BalboniValentinoBalboni Thu, 17 Dec 2009 10:40:00 EST <![CDATA[Land Rover releases Freelander 2 Sport for UK loyalists]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/17/land-rover-releases-freelander-2-sport-for-uk-loyalists/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/17/land-rover-releases-freelander-2-sport-for-uk-loyalists/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/17/land-rover-releases-freelander-2-sport-for-uk-loyalists/#comments Filed under: , , , ,


2010 Land Rover Freelander 2 Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

Another week, another special edition for the UK. New for 2010, the Land Rover Freelander 2 Sport attempts to be equipped as regally as its name suggests, with either a Santorini Black or Lago Grey paint job decked out with color-keyed exterior trim, a rear spoiler, and 19-inch diamond-turned alloy wheels.

Inside is where the thrills reside, with a two-tone interior in, ahem, "Ebony & Storm," and your choice of cloth interior or a "sports styling pack" in Lago Grey leather. Somewhat ironically, the Sport comes with a 2.2-liter diesel four that churns the wheels through a manual transmission, and it gets even better gas mileage with the fitment of stop/start technology.

The model goes on sale next month and starts at £26,695 ($43,581 USD, but bear in mind that UK market prices are higher than those of the U.S.) on-the-road. No word yet on whether North American consumers will get a shot at this model under the LR2 nameplate, so for now, content yourself with our high-res gallery below and the official press release after the jump.


Gallery: 2010 Land Rover Freelander 2 Sport


[Source: Land Rover]

Continue reading Land Rover releases Freelander 2 Sport for UK loyalists

Land Rover releases Freelander 2 Sport for UK loyalists originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2010 freelander 22010 freelander 2 sport2010 land rover2010 land rover freelander 22010 land rover freelander 2 sport2010Freelander22010Freelander2Sport2010LandRover2010LandRoverFreelander22010LandRoverFreelander2Sportfreelander 2freelander 2 sportFreelander2Freelander2Sportland roverland rover freelander 2land rover freelander 2 sportLandRoverLandRoverFreelander2LandRoverFreelander2Sportluxurysuvuk Thu, 17 Dec 2009 09:58:00 EST <![CDATA[Volkswagen Passat CC R-Line now on sale - in Europe]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/16/volkswagen-passat-cc-r-line-now-on-sale-in-europe/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/16/volkswagen-passat-cc-r-line-now-on-sale-in-europe/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/16/volkswagen-passat-cc-r-line-now-on-sale-in-europe/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,


2010 Volkswagen Passat CC R-Line - Click above for high-res image gallery

Volkswagen just opened the order book on the Passat CC with the R-Line package in Europe. We saw this car at the Frankfurt Motor Show and were completely smitten with it. Taking the regular CC's swoopy coupedan shape and adding the R-Line package makes it just about perfect. What stops it from being perfect is the fact that the R-Line package doesn't add any oomph. Just like Audi's S-Line, its alterations are mainly cosmetic.

The R-Line package adds an aero kit, surprisingly modest "Mallory" pattern 17-inch wheels, R-Line emblems, smoked taillights, R-Line aluminum sill plates, a unique three-spoke multifunction leather-wrapped steering wheel, front foglamps, and the Park Pilot system.

It becomes the eighth R-Line model in Volkswagen's lineup and will add 2,200 euro to the price of your CC - about $3,200 in Yankee bucks. Full press release after the jump and plenty of live and press pics below.


Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Volkswagen CC R


Photos by Jonny Lieberman / Copyright (C)2009 Weblogs, Inc.

Gallery: 2010 Volkswagen Passat CC R-Line


[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Volkswagen Passat CC R-Line now on sale - in Europe

Volkswagen Passat CC R-Line now on sale - in Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2010 Volkswagen CC2010 Volkswagen CC R2010 Volkswagen CC R-line2010VolkswagenCc2010VolkswagenCcR2010VolkswagenCcR-lineCCcc r-lineCcR-linepassatpassat ccpassat cc r-linePassatCcPassatCcR-lineR-LineVeedubvolkswagenVolkswagen CCVolkswagen CC R-LineVolkswagen Passatvolkswagen passat cc r-lineVolkswagenCcVolkswagenCcR-lineVolkswagenPassatVolkswagenPassatCcR-lineVWvw ccvw cc r-lineVW passatvw passat ccvw passat cc rvw passat cc r-lineVwCcVwCcR-lineVwPassatVwPassatCcVwPassatCcRVwPassatCcR-line Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:28:00 EST <![CDATA[Justin Timberlake named new Audi "brand ambassador"]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/16/justin-timberlake-named-new-audi-brand-ambassador/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/16/justin-timberlake-named-new-audi-brand-ambassador/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/16/justin-timberlake-named-new-audi-brand-ambassador/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



All we really want to do at this moment in time is make a never-ending series of N'Sync jokes. But we don't know any. So instead, let's talk about how Audi has just picked Justin Timberlake to be their new spokesman. What's JT doing specifically? Seems as if the four interlocking rings folks are gearing up to do some sort of "extraordinary Internet campaign" for the A1 and "That's where Timberlake will play a leading role."

Just yesterday, we published a report that the new Audi A1 will possibly not be coming to the U.S. Obviously, a star of Timberlake's caliber will be able to effectively move metal outside of our shores. But we have to wonder if Audi's naming Timberlake its brand ambassador doesn't kick a little sand into the eye of the A1-is-not-for-here theory. After the all, the guy started his music career on Star Search and later as a Mouseketeer. It seems fairly apparent that Audi would make a move like this if us American types are in fact getting their small premium city car. Then again, we're not really up on our star watching and our Significant Others tell us that JT is an international phenom. In any case, at this moment in time, we just don't know what to think. Press release after the jump.


Gallery: 2011 Audi A1 Graffiti Teasers


[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Justin Timberlake named new Audi "brand ambassador"

Justin Timberlake named new Audi "brand ambassador" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2010 Audi A12010AudiA12011 Audi A12011AudiA1A1AudiAudi A1AudiA1brand spokesmanbrand spokespersonBrandSpokesmanBrandSpokespersonJTJustin TimberlakeJustin Timberlake AudiJustinTimberlakeJustinTimberlakeAudiNSyncspokesmansponsorshipTimberlake Wed, 16 Dec 2009 09:58:00 EST <![CDATA[Spy Shots: Alfa Romeo Kamal Concept snapped at Fiat R&D facility?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/spy-shots-alfa-romeo-kamal-concept-snapped-at-fiat-randd-facility/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/spy-shots-alfa-romeo-kamal-concept-snapped-at-fiat-randd-facility/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/spy-shots-alfa-romeo-kamal-concept-snapped-at-fiat-randd-facility/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

If this crossover looks a little familiar, your eyes are not playing tricks on you. Alfa Romeo unveiled this concept vehicle at the 2003 Geneva Motor Show. It was called the Kamal, and it was supposed to have gone into production by now. But things have been a little crazy over at the Fiat group. Mergers and acquisitions have collapsed and others have gone through, forcing the Italian automaker to change its product strategy at every turn.

What has us asking questions all over again is this batch of spy shots reportedly leaked by an employee at Fiat's Elasis research and development facility in Pomigliano, Italy. Of course, it's entirely possible the original concept was being moved from one storage facility to another, but then they could be bringing it out again for another reason. One way or another, we should find out soon as Fiat/Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne prepares to decide on Alfa's fate in due course.


Gallery: Alfa Romeo Kamal concept


[Source: alvolante.it via Worldcarfans]

Spy Shots: Alfa Romeo Kamal Concept snapped at Fiat R&D facility? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> alfaalfa romeoalfa romeo kamalalfa romeo kamal conceptalfa romeo suvAlfaRomeoAlfaRomeoKamalAlfaRomeoKamalConceptAlfaRomeoSuvelasisgeneva 2003geneva motor showGeneva2003GenevaMotorShowkamal Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:59:00 EST <![CDATA[CTS-V Challenge driver and M3 owner Michael Cooper gets pat on the back from BMW]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/cts-v-challenge-driver-and-m3-owner-michael-cooper-gets-pat-on-t/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/cts-v-challenge-driver-and-m3-owner-michael-cooper-gets-pat-on-t/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/cts-v-challenge-driver-and-m3-owner-michael-cooper-gets-pat-on-t/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Michael Cooper and his Cadillac CTS-V-challenging BMW M3 - click above for high-res image gallery

This guy. So, some of you no doubt remember the Cadillac CTS-V Challenge. If you don't, here's a refresher: General Motors vice-chairman Maximum Bob Lutz challenged any journalist to bring a CTS-V competitor to California's Laguna Seca where the 77-year-old Lutz would mop the floor with he/she and whatever fancy-pants, Euro sedan they done brung. Of course, the event got moved to New York's Monticello Motor Club, and to guarantee that the Cadillac didn't lose, GM brought in a backup pilot, John Hienricy, the company's noted hot shoe engineer and race car driver. And then every other manufacturer (Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar) decided not to play into GM's marketing ploy, and withdrew their cars' support.

To be frank, we here at Autoblog toyed with the idea of throwing our hoon-hat in the ring, but after Heinricy became Cadillac's ace in the hole, we figured the whole challenge was unwinnable (we've driven with Mr. Heinricy - he's that good). While it would no doubt have been fun, totally playing into General Motor's hands like that (by also losing), well, not so much. Luckily, privateer Michael Cooper and his BMW M3 wasn't in on our conference call.

Mr. Cooper showed up to the Caddy Challenge and laid down a 2:50.424, beating not only Bob Lutz's 2:56.321 in the way more powerful CTS-V, but our pals Lawrence Ulrich (2:53:026) and Jack Baruth (2:51:153), both of whom were driving the big supercharged Caddy. Not surprisingly, Heinricy blew the doors off of every single person, ripping off a 2:46.560. Probably while flossing. But let's not overlook young Michael Cooper, who with 142 less horsepower and a boatload less torque to work with came in less than four seconds behind John (ringer *cough* ringer) Hienricy.

BMW was so taken by Mr. Cooper's feat of good driving that they reportedly invited him down to their North American headquarters in New Jersey and gave him a BMW Performance Multifunction Steering Wheel. How else to thank the guy that tossed such an effective monkey wrench into GM's marketing plans? BMW installed the wheel in Cooper's M3 while he was given a ride in a special BMW Performance enhanced 335i Sedan. So, one more time, a hearty Autoblog congratulations to Michael Cooper and his Cadillac CTS-V challenging BMW M3. The one with the fancy new steering wheel.


Gallery: Michael Cooper's BMW M3


[Source: BMW Blog]

CTS-V Challenge driver and M3 owner Michael Cooper gets pat on the back from BMW originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2009 BMW M32009 M32009BmwM32009M3BMWBMW M3BMW M3 SedanBmwM3BmwM3SedanBob LutzBobLutzCadillacCadillac CTS-VCadillac CTS-V ChallengeCadillacCts-vCadillacCts-vChallengeJohn HienricyJohnHienricylutzMaximum Bob LutzMaximumBobLutzMicahel CooperMicahelCoopermonticellomonticello motor clubMonticelloMotorClub Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:29:00 EST <![CDATA[Race-spec Jaguar XF touring car debuts at Kyalami Superstars]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/race-spec-jaguar-xf-touring-car-debuts-at-kyalami-superstars/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/race-spec-jaguar-xf-touring-car-debuts-at-kyalami-superstars/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/race-spec-jaguar-xf-touring-car-debuts-at-kyalami-superstars/#comments Filed under: , , , ,


Ferlito Motors Jaguar XF Superstars touring car - Click above for image gallery

We can thank the Italians for some of the most enticing race machinery ever to grace tarmac. But in this case, the Italians have taken a British saloon and transformed it for track duty.

This racing version of the Jaguar XF made its debut this past weekend at South Africa's Kyalami circuit, where the Superstars Series held its season finale. The Italian touring car series pits all manner of specially-prepared machinery - ranging from Chevrolet Luminas and Chrysler 300s to Audi RS4s and the Maserati Quattroporte we reported on earlier - against each other at circuits around Italy, with one round this season held abroad. While you may not recognize any names from the current roster of drivers, the handicapped former CART Champion and F1 driver Alex Zanardi is set to race for BMW in the Italian series.

Few details are available on the new Jag touring car's specifications, but it was prepared by Italian racing garage Ferlito Motors to replace an aging machine based on the old S-Type. For its race debut, the new XF racer finished 12th - dead last of the cars that finished the race, but at least it finished. Follow the jump for the press release and check out the (unfortunately low-res) images in the gallery below.


Gallery: Ferlito Motors Jaguar XF Superstars touring car


[Source: Superstars Series]

Continue reading Race-spec Jaguar XF touring car debuts at Kyalami Superstars

Race-spec Jaguar XF touring car debuts at Kyalami Superstars originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> ferlitoferlito jaguar xf superstars touring carferlito motorsFerlitoJaguarXfSuperstarsTouringCarFerlitoMotorsitalyjaguarjaguar xfjaguar xf touring carJaguarXfJaguarXfTouringCarkyalamisuperstarssuperstars seriesSuperstarsSeriestouringtouring cartouring carsTouringCarTouringCarsxf Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:31:00 EST <![CDATA[VIDEO: 2011 Audi A1 teased ahead of Geneva unveiling]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/video-2011-audi-a1-teased-ahead-of-geneva-unveiling/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/video-2011-audi-a1-teased-ahead-of-geneva-unveiling/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/video-2011-audi-a1-teased-ahead-of-geneva-unveiling/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2011 Audi A1 - Click above for high-res image gallery
Two years ago, the Audi Metroproject Quattro concept bowed at the Tokyo Motor Show. A year later, the Audi A1 Sportback study was unveiled in Paris. And in less than two months, the production 2011 Audi A1 will finally be revealed online ahead of its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show... but not before the hype machine is put into full effect.

After the jump, you can check out three teaser videos of the A1, beginning with a graffiti homage to Audi's new compact hatch, followed by a brief statement from Chairman Rupert Stadler and a design discussion with a few of the A1's creators.

Predictably, all three spots are mum on details, but from previous reports, we know that the A1 is likely to be powered by a 1.4-liter TFSI four-cylinder channeling around 150 hp to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. All-wheel drive may be exclusive to the 180-hp S1 -- due to arrive sometime in 2011 -- with the standard model dolling out power to the front wheels alone, and a cabrio variant arriving in 2012. Expect all the details to come down from on high in February -- including an announcement about Audi's intent to sell the A1 Stateside -- but until then... jump.


Gallery: 2011 Audi A1 Graffiti Teasers

Continue reading VIDEO: 2011 Audi A1 teased ahead of Geneva unveiling

VIDEO: 2011 Audi A1 teased ahead of Geneva unveiling originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 20112011 a12011 audi a12011A12011AudiA120122012 audi a12012AudiA1a1audiaudi a1AudiA1genevageneva 2010geneva motor showgeneva showGeneva2010GenevaMotorShowGenevaShow Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:40:00 EST