Porsche Carrera GT in Arkansas

You never what you're going to spot when you go for a little joy ride across America. Just moments ago as we crossed from Missouri into Arkansas on Interstate 55, a low slung black car with a big wing rolled by. After a quick double take we grabbed our camera and snapped off a few pics of the first Porsche Carrera GT we haveve ever seen on the street. If we were going to see one of these we certainly wouldn't have expected it in eastern Arkansas.

Arash reveals final form of AF10 supercar

Britain's history is punctuated in no small part by the proliferation of its cottage industry. And while the industrial revolution may have taken care of that to a large degree, it's still alive and thriving in the realm of the supercar. Small independent exotic automakers abound, including names like Ascari, Ultima, Noble, Farboud, Farbio and Arash, to name just a few. Trying to keep track of them all is enough to make your head spin, especially when the same guy is behind the latter three. After selling off Farboud, the new owners changed the name to Farbio and founder Arash Farboud started a new outfit under his first name. What you see here are the first proper images of his latest creation, the Arash AF10.

The carbon-fiber body, which (aside from the adjustable front wing) bears a startling resemblance to the Ferrari Enzo, is laid over a carbon fiber chassis for a sprightly low curb weight of 1,200kg (about 2,600 lbs). Power is provided by the 7-liter pushrod V8 out of the Corvette Z06, tuned from the stock 498 hp up to 530 thanks to new intake and exhaust systems, driving the rear wheels through a manual Graziano gearbox and kept in check by AP Racing brakes. The supercar is expected to sell for about 170k pounds sterling – a fair bit less than the £220k a Lamborghini Murcielago will cost a British customer – and begin delivery sometime next year. A sequential gearbox is expected to join the catalog, as well as the potential for dropping in the supercharged V8 from the Corvette ZR1 a year and a half down the line.

[Source: Arash]

Toyota seriously considering separate Prius brand

This isn't the first time we've heard that Toyota might spin off the Prius as a separate brand much like Scion. But we now have the most concrete news about the automaker's plans we've seen yet.

Micheline Maynard of The New York Times talked with James E. Lentz, president of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. recently who said he was actively lobbying Toyota for the Prius brand spinoff and that the company was working on future models to expand the lineup. Lentz said he was pushing for a Yaris-sized Prius and a "Prius on steroids." He wouldn't comment on rumors of a Prius crossover, however. Lentz also said the new line would be sold alongside Toyota vehicles instead of separately like the company's Lexus brand.

When might this new Prius brand be approved by Toyota? Lentz would only say that he has a meeting in Japan next month.

Maynard writes that in all her years covering Toyota, "...I can say that executives rarely talk this much about an idea unless it is under active discussion, so the chances of a Prius brand are probably pretty good."

[Source: The New York Times]

You can order a 2010 Camaro starting October 13

If you were waiting to place an order for a 2010 Camaro, Chevrolet announced today that you can make your orders starting this Monday, October 13.

Like a good ’ol American car, it will have more options than Colin Farrell at a sorority party. Choices include: six-speed transmissions manual or TAPshift automatic, projected 300 hp DOHC V6 engine that gets an estimated 27 MPG hwy with automatic transmission, projected 400 hp V8 engine with automatic transmission and Active Fuel Management for added fuel savings, projected 422 hp V8 engine with manual transmission, 4.5-link independent rear suspension, six air bags, Bluetooth wireless technology available for select compatible phones, USB connectivity available on select models and Standard one-year OnStar Safe & Sound plan.

The 2010 Camaro Coupe is scheduled to start production in spring 2009.

No diesel RS in Audi’s future

In an interview with MotorTrend, Wolfgang Hatz, head of powertrain development at Audi and Stephan Reil, quattro Gmbh’s technology development boss revealed that the S4 will be redesigned in 2010 and that there will be no RS in US line-up in 2009. And if you expected a diesel engine in the RS models you wore wrong, there will not be one.

Mr. Hatz reiterated that transmission and packaging problems ultimately killed the idea of an RS8 TDI variant, but pointed out that putting that engine in the (European) Q7 makes that a Q7 RS in everything but name. It is a quattro Gmbh product, but the company is loathe to apply the RS designation to any tall, heavy SUV.

[Source:Motor Trend]

Audi R8 V10 and Spyder versions to be scarce and dear

Word has it there is an eight-month waiting list for the Audi R8 in the car's home market of Germany. Here in the good ol' U.S. of A., the 50 units we get per month are not nearly enough for all of the interested buyers. Well, with V10, convertible and possibly diesel versions in the works, we can't imagine that demand will subside anytime soon. You might think that Audi would be smart to amp up production to handle the high demand, especially with those new versions coming soon, but that isn't gonna happen according to Audi. Seems they can only make 27 R8s a month day and no more. That should keep the R8 variations very scarce and very dear.

For those lucky enough to have the coinage and a place in line, there is more news. Car and Driver talked to Michael Dick, Audi's member of the board of management for technical development, who told them the company expects to sell around 80% with V10 flavor. That version goes on sale next year, with drop-tops following soon after in Europe. Yanks will have to wait another year with 2011 models showing up in '10.

Other tidbits gleaned from the interview: Pricing hasn't been set, the diesel might be Euro-only if it even makes it to production, and a little brother R4 was never in the cards with the TT-RS and possible Audi R3 version of the VW roadster filling out the dance card well enough.

[Source: Car and Driver]

Volkswagen's LA-bound mid-engine coupe

CAR and Autoweek have tapped their sources within Volkswagen to get the scoop on a rumored mid-engine Elise-fighter that may debut at next month's LA Auto Show. But when working with unnamed insiders, information tends to get jumbled in the process and differing reports emerge that suggest it's all more speculation than hard facts.

Both reports confirm what we've heard before: Volkswagen will limit the cylinder count to four, but that's where the similarities end. Autoweek's sources say that engine choices will be limited to either a 170-hp 1.4-liter Twincharger TSI gasoline engine or a new 125-hp 1.6-liter TDI sending power to the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. CAR pegs displacement of the gasoline engines at between 1.2- and 1.4-liters, with output ranging from 105 to 160 hp. A 1.2-liter TDI producing 75 hp is also being bandied around.

According to Autoweek, the mid-engine coupe will come to market in 2011, while CAR contends production won't begin until 2013. Additionally, CAR reports that VW won't use an aluminum architecture due to cost constraints, meaning that the Modular Sports Car (MSC) will come in at around 2,660 pounds (300kg heavier than the Elise). On the other hand, Autoweek is saying that the concept will tip the scales below 2,200 pounds by tapping Audi for its expertise with aluminum and opening the door to a four-ringed variant with a choice of a 211-hp 2.0-liter TFSI or a 204-hp twin-turbo'd 2.0-liter TDI. Not to mention the possibility of a Porsche 914 successor.

A strut-based suspension will be employed instead of a Golf-derived multi-link arrangement, while parts cribbed from the rest of the VW line – ranging from steering components and brakes to electronics and transmissions – will be used to keep manufacturing costs in check. Autoweek is also reporting that both a coupe and roadster will be offered, which strikes us as totally unnecessary as VW would be better served offering a removable hard-top similar to that on the MSC's target, the Lotus Elise.

[Sources: CAR and Autoweek]

Mazda releases unrevealing teaser vid of 2010 Mazda3

Mazda has already given us a sneak-peak at its long-awaited 2010 Mazda3, and while we like what we've seen so far, we want more. We know that team Zoom Zoom is adding a new 2.5L engine to replace the outgoing 2.3L engine, and that the full Monte will be shown at the LA Auto Show next month, but anything more would be great. We came across a short video clip of the Mazda3 in action, but it's 12 seconds long and shows the same three photos we've already seen with moving wheel animations. Needless to say, it's a little disappointing.

[Source: eGMCarTech]

AMG boss confirms future hybrid and diesel plans

Saying that "only a fool would ignore" the emissions of a new vehicle and the current global economy, AMG head-man Volker Mornhinweg realizes that it can't keep building gas-guzzling supercars with reckless abandon. Not that the company will lose its performance edge, mind you. In fact, hybrids and diesels could offer a meaningful performance boost if tuned properly. How so? Torque. Diesel engines are known for their massive axle-shreading twist, and electric motors, an essential part of any hybrid powertrain, make maximum power right off idle, allowing for an internal combustion engine that's tuned for stratospheric revs.

In a recent interview with CAR, the notion of fitting a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter oil-burning V6 inside the C class was kicked around. Mornhinweg suggests such a vehicle is a distinct possibility as AMG moves forward. Hybrid technology could be based on the new drivetrain powering the recently-unveiled S400 BlueHYBRID. No matter what the future holds, we can be sure that the AMG crew is obviously not made up of a bunch of fools, and will therefore continue to offer cars with the highest performance pedigree, regardless of what's underhood.

[Source: CAR]

Maserati MC12 beats world's best in super comparo

Despite the fact there is no real "Official 'Ring Record" for production cars, manufacturers never miss the chance to time their fastest cars as they lap the famous German race track. After all, there's a great bit of marketing to be had by claiming that your car is faster than everything else. Maserati realizes this just as much as the next company, and the Italian automaker's MC12 is still 'super' even though it's now three years old. Perhaps even more so, as it recently managed to lap the Nürburgring Nordschleife in just 7:24.29. Not only is this an extremely fast time, it betters the marks set by such enviable performers as the Ferrari Enzo, Koenigsegg CCX, Pagani Zonda F Clubsport and Porsche Carrera GT. All of these cars are owned by one (very lucky) man and were tested with the same driver (American Le Mans Series racer Marc Basseng) at the same time and under the same conditions, while lap timing duties went to Europe's evo magazine. All of this lends a dose of credibility to the Trident's accomplishment that's lacking from the incredible 'Ring times that automakers have been claiming lately. So, while not all 'Ring times are created equal, some bragging rights now belong to Maserati.*

*The only car we know of that claims a faster time is the Dodge Viper ACR, which unofficially managed the deed in just 7:22. Your lap times may vary.

[Source: Maserati]

2009 Dodge Charger Cop Car gets boost in power and fuel economy

Sheriff Buford T. Justice will now be able to chase your Bandit *** all over the country if he's protecting and serving behind the wheel of a 2009 Dodge Charger police car. The Charger's 368-horsepower HEMI is nearly double what Pontiac was putting underneath the screaming chicken back in '77, and gives the cop-spec Charger the most power of any police car on offer; plenty of snort underfoot when it's time to apprehend individuals devoid of respect for the law. Hot pursuit will last longer, too, with Chrysler's Multi Displacement System switching off half the cylinders in the V8 to conserve 20-percent more fuel. The venerated Ford Panthers were rugged and inexpensive for fleets, but the Charger gives officers a firepower upgrade while also offering a chassis that's far more capable. It's never been advisable to attempt running from the police, but that's now an extremely bad idea with the upgraded Charger on the beat. We discovered this first hand, not when we were arrested, but when Dodge gave us a cop-spec Charger to play with for a week.


[Source: Chrysler]

X2 might be out, but BMW could be planning an X4

BMW has been aggressively expanding its vehicle offerings, and like most other automakers, crossovers make up the majority of additions. Earlier this year, team Bimmer added the X6, and with the X1 concept unveiled in Paris, mild-to-wild CUVs seem to be the focus for the boys in Bavaria. Automotive News is reporting that the SAV love will continue next year when BMW unleashes the X4. Design elements are said to come from the larger X6, which is to say that it'll probably look like a really tall hatchback. The X1 concept and the production X3 are based off of the excellent 3-Series platform, and we're guessing the X4 will also don the sharp-handling underpinnings.

If this is what BMW needs to do in order to remain the world's top-selling luxury automaker, we're not so sure it's worth the trouble. The X1 will probably sell relatively well, but it will do so with underwhelming sheet metal. An X4 based off the X6 sounds like an even worse proposition, but then again, we didn't think the X6 was a bright idea either.

[Source: Automotive News ]

CGS ReFlex

Every time we see a Flex on the road, it looks cartoonish to us – those two massive rectangles sitting on cute little wheels. We wouldn't be surprised if, a la CARS, a Flex started talking to us. The "ReFlex" above, designed by Sean Smith of SS Designs and being prepared by CGS Motorsports for this year's SEMA Show in Las Vegas, looks like it could have something interesting to say. Who knew that a minimal body kit, a drop, and a set of 22s could give the Flex that personality it's been missing. The custom DuPont-painted CUV is also getting a suede interior, a Kicker sound system, and even new door solenoids from SPAL. We'll take it, or at least a ride in it.

[Source: CGS]

PRESS RELEASE

CGS Motorsports is one of the leading manufacturers of High Performance Cat Back Exhaust Systems and Air Intake Systems for late model cars, trucks, & SUVs.

Besides being one of the leading manufacturers of Performance Products, CGS has also become one of the leading creators of many SEMA Show vehicles over the years. CGS has built several trucks and SUVs for the Big 3.

Once again, CGS is creating another SEMA Show vehicle for Ford, which will be showcased at the 2008 SEMA Show. They will be customizing a new '09 Ford Flex, designed by Sean Smith of SS Designs, and named "ReFlex."

This new crossover SUV will feature custom paint by DuPont Refinishes with paint preparation by 3M, 22" one-off Bonspeed wheels, Pirelli Tires, Custom leather from Roadwire, door solenoids by SPAL, suede interior of Keyston Bros., and a custom sound system by Kicker featuring a Clarion navigation head unit.

As illustrated in the rendering, ReFlex will feature a one-off body kit, Sean Smith and the design team at CGS will clay up the body kit until it looks just the way they envisioned it. The CGS team is also designing and building hand made chrome moldings to separate the two tone paint scheme. So be sure to check out the completed ReFlex at this year SEMA show in Las Vegas, NV. www.cgsmotorsports.com

Bugatti and Bentley join forces to battle Rolls-Royce

The whisperers have it that Bugatti may be borrowing from Bentley for a new sedan. What they can't seem to pinpoint is exactly what kind of sharing the two marques will be doing, and whether or not the resulting super Bug will be a supremely high-powered four-door to compete with the Rolls-Royce Phantom. If the two brands do indeed share something, like the next Arnage's platform, for instance, that might make sense. But just a few months ago, Bugatti said that its next product would be even more expensive than the Veyron, and lead man Josef Paefgen has also said that there will be no inexpensive Bugatti.

A $400,000 sedan wouldn't be inexpensive, true, but compared to $1.6 million for a Veyron, it's a flat-out bargain. Besides, the $242,000 Arnage T, after all the bespoke options, would come perilously close to a $400K Bugatti in price, and the next Bentley Arnage is growing in order to fight the Phantom. So if a Bugatti sedan with Bentley underpinnings were that close in price to a Rolls Phantom... then who's Bentley meant to get in the ring with?

[Source: TopSpeed via German Car Blog]

Lamborghini reveals Estoque interior for first time

At this point, we've seen nearly every possible angle of Lamborghini's latest raging bull, the Estoque, with one rather large exception: the interior. As a four-door sedan, the compromises one naturally expects from the Italian motor company's supercars are wholly unacceptable in this application, so there is naturally a sense of luxury inside the Estoque that's missing from the Gallardo and Murcielago. We can also see large paddle shifters for the e-gear transmission that are yanked straight from the Gallardo and plenty of two-tone grey and creamy white leather covering most every surface. Plus, there's a whole lot more space now for such pleasure-inducers as a Blu-ray player, in-cabin television and, um, legroom. Still, it's clear that this is a concept cockpit that was likely rushed to deadline for the Paris Motor Show. The buttons in the cockpit are all hard black plastic, which is not exactly fitting for a sister brand of Audi, an automaker that arguably sets the gold standard for interiors by which others are judged.

[Source: Lamborghini]

Michael Schumacher saunters around 'Ring in Ferrari California

This past Sunday, Ferrari had its Racing Days event at the Nürburgring in Germany and after the customers got a chance to 'ring out their rides, company legend Michael Schumacher wheeled out the new Ferrari California and put it through its paces. For those of you waiting to hear a lap time, don't hold your breath. The track was wet, the course was the F1 track, and the event was more of a meet-and-greet than a pedal-to-the-metal assault on the GT-R. This short YouTube clip by JurreAG will show you MS taking the California through the first few turns from a standing start near turn one.

2010 Mazda3 unveiled ahead of LA Auto Show

Mazda has confirmed the time and place for the unveiling of its all-new 2010 Mazda3: November 19th at the LA Auto Show. In anticipation of the car's public debut, the Japanese automaker released these three images of the remodeled 3 sedan that reveal the car's new design. While the new 3 retains a similar shape as the current model with a high beltline and rear decklid, the new car sports a much more expressive face with a "smile" grille positioned low up front that's flanked by vertical air intake/fog light combos. The front fenders, likewise, are more distinct from the elevated hood and roll nicely back into the car's forward canted character line. Out back are bigger taillights embedded in what appears to be a larger trunk above dual exhaust tips. The overall shape is a logical evolution of the current car that combines current Mazda design elements already found on the RX-8, Mazda6 and recently refreshed MX-5. Mazda also tells us that the 3 sedan will carry over its 2.0L four-cylinder, but be joined by a larger 2.5L engine to replace the current car's 2.3L. As for the Mazda3 five-door hatchback, we'll have to wait until some time after the LA Auto Show for that, though we're hoping the new Mazdaspeed3 is not far behind.

[Source: Mazda]

PRESS RELEASE

All-New Mazda3 Sedan to Debut at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show


HIROSHIMA, Japan-Mazda Motor Corporation has confirmed that the sedan version of the all-new Mazda3 (known as Mazda Axela in Japan), fully redesigned for the first time in 5 years, will be revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show*1 on November 19, 2008.

The covers will be pulled off during Mazda's press conference from 12:20 to 12:45 (local time) revealing the all-new Mazda3, the latest evolution of Mazda's Zoom-Zoom spirit.

All-new Mazda3 sedan (North American specification)

Every element of the all-new Mazda3 has been developed for heightened exhilaration, with a more refined sporty ride, top class fuel economy and quietness. Environmental and safety features, based on Mazda's long-term "Sustainable Zoom-Zoom" vision, aim to achieve a balance with fun-to-drive. Add in a new expressive face and Mazda's dynamic design elements, and the all-new Mazda3 is everything a driver could ask for in a sports compact.

The brand new version of Mazda's best-selling sports compact carries forward the heritage of Mazda and the pedigree of the current Mazda3. Since its launch in 2003, the current Mazda3 has sold approx. 1.8 million vehicles*2 in over 100 countries and has won more than 90 global motoring awards*3 to date. The Mazda3 accounts for almost one in three Mazdas sold every year.

Following the world debut of the North American specification sedan with 2.0- and 2.5-liter engines at the show, the five-door hatchback version will be revealed in line with Mazda's global sales schedule.

Porsche considering diesel and targa top for Panamera?

Regardless of what you think of Porsche's upcoming Panamera (we're currently on the fence), it is going to be an extremely important launch for the company. Despite the fact that purists panned the Cayenne, it has sold like hotcakes and has made an extremely tidy profit for the German automaker, now in the midst of a major takeover of Volkswagen, the most valuable automaker in the world. Obviously, Porsche is hoping for similar successes from its very expensive four door. As we've heard countless times, a hybrid option is currently in the works and a diesel engine is also on the drawing board. We're not entirely sure how the crazy German engineers will do it, but a targa-style top is also being developed. No matter, we'll have all the details soon enough as Porsche brings its production Panamera to the 2009 Geneva Motor Show in March.

[Source: Automotive News ]

modifikasi yamaha

Gallardo LP560-4 - CAR Magazine’s performance car of the year

The Gallardo Lp560-4 won the title of Performance Car of The Year 2008 in CAR magazine’s annual test. The Gallardo LP560-4 compete with the Porsche 911 GT2, Aston Martin DBS and Mercedes-Benz CLK Black Series.

It then went on to win the overall competition against finalists from seven other categories, including challengers such as the Nissan GT-R, Mitsubishi Evo 360 and Mini John Cooper Works.

"The Gallardo LP 560-4 is a special car to see, to drive and, we bet, to own and that’s why it’s our Performance Car of The Year,” said CAR editor Phil McNamara. To celebrate, go to your local Lamborghini dealership and ask to take a victory lap.

RKSport doing up Genesis sedan

There are six modded Genesis' planned for SEMA: three coupes, three sedans. The coupes have been worked over by Street Concepts, HKS, and Rhys Millen. A rendering of the first tricked-out Genesis sedan from RKSport has rumbled onto the page, and it looks less like competition for the 5 Series than it does a challenger to the Death Star. The Platinum Silver sedan will wear carbon fiber accessories and a couple of spoilers as it hunkers on its oversized TSW wheels.

RKSport's take on this car is to raise the performance stakes, and it's going to have Hyundai's help doing it. The whipped cream on the sunday will be a K&N air intake, Magnaflow exhaust, Eibach springs, Baer brakes, and a body kit. The sunday itself consists of performance upgrades that Hyundai is giving to the car's Tau V8 engine. The Korean automaker is hush-hush on those changes, but they're probably good for a bump in the numbers in all the right places. And since you can't drive the cars at SEMA, they'll probably look and sound pretty good, too.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Ford releases full dash pic of 2010 Mustang

Whether you like it or not, Ford is revealing the 2010 Mustang nice and slow. So far we've got fairly clear shots of the wheel, seats, rear deck lid badge, front end, and steering wheel. The latest photo to be released shows a clear, full front view of the dash, and we have to say that we like what we see. Like the new Pony badge, Ford has given the interior an edgier look with rectangular center air vents and more futuristic looking gauges. There are still six images yet to be unveiled, and we're hoping for a decent shot underneath the hood or of the rear fender soon. Of course, the car will be officially introduced at the LA Auto Show in November.


[Source: The2010Mustang.com]

Chevy Camaro Z28

There are already a ton of Ford Mustang variants on the market, and Dodge has seen fit to offer three separate Challenger models, the SE, R/T and SRT8. Could Chevy do the same with the new fifth-gen Camaro? It's possible, though there's been no official word from General Motors as of yet. A Z28 model to join the base and SS trims would seem like the next logical step if the line were to be enlarged.

A talented designer who goes by Jinx on Camaro forums has created some renderings of what a Camaro Z28 could look like. He envisions a supercharged 6.2L LSA engine underhood with 550 horsepower. That hood would need a power bulge to cover the supercharged mill, and the rendering features a clear opening like the latest ZR1, along with a carbon fiber splitter up front. An enlarged lower air intake would feed the intercooler and is also flanked by functional brake cooling ducts. Quad exhaust tips give those spent gases plenty of room to exit. If a Z28 were to come from the General, they could certainly do worse than to use this guy's design.

[Source: 5thgen.org]

Audi confirms pure electric city car in the works

Audi has long been rumored to be developing an electric car and many of us concluded that it would be based on the A1 concept that the German automaker recently showed off at the Paris Motor Show. According to Audi board member Peter Schwarzenbauer, the electric car is indeed coming, though it will be based on the Volkswagen up! platform that's destined to carry the Lupo badge when it goes into production. Audi will need to work fast if it's going to catch BMW, its natural rival, which has already begun production of an electric version of the hugely popular MINI Cooper. For the Audi/VW offering, a battery pack will be mounted at the rear of the Lupo's platform, though we still have no indication of what type of battery will be used. What might the new car be named? Not sure, but we do know that A2 is available.

[Source: Autocar]

Neiman Marcus nabs first 2009 BMW 7 Series

Those who do their daily shopping within the pages of the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book will be the first able to purchase the new 2009 BMW 7 Series beginning October 17th. The price of early adoption in this case will be a steep $160,000 for one of 31 Neiman Marcus Limited-Edition 2009 BMW Individual 7 Series sedans based on the new 750Li. While that price is tens of thousands above what we expect the 7 Series base price to be, buyers will get much more than just the car. Included in the asking price is a trip to Europe to take delivery of the special 7 Series at BMW's headquarters in Munich, after which buyers will tour the south of France in their new sedan. After the fun and frolicking, BMW will have the car shipped back to the U.S. for you. And, of course, you aren't just purchasing a standard 7 Series. Each model has been customized by BMW Individual and painted in a special Diopside Black metallic color with an interior stitched in Champagne Merino leather and accented with wood and Piano Black inserts. Is all that worth 160 large? That depends on how nice you want Christmas to be this year.

[Source: BMW, Neiman Marcus]

GM on Corvette ZR1 cancellation rumor: "Not true."

The rumormill is a funny thing, and sometimes it can run amok. This appears to be one of those times. The DigitalCorvettes.com forum posted a note earlier this evening saying that Corvette ZR1 production has been halted (Bowling Green is shut down this week, so no Vettes are being built at the moment) and suggesting that the ZR1 may be cancelled. A post on dealer Rick "Corvette" Conti's blog, linked in the referenced DigitalCorvettes thread, added to the intrigue.

Autoblog has contacted GM's Terry Rhadigan, who handles global communications for the Chevrolet brand. We presented the DigitalCorvettes link and asked for an official resonse. His was very clear:

"Not true."

Check out CorvetteGuys.com and their large inventory of Corvette Floor Mats.

[Source: Autoblog]

Porsche to takeover Volkswagen by end of November

For a few years there at large profile gatherings in America – especially sporting events – people wielding signs that referenced the Bible passage "John 3:16" and said things like "Be prepared" and "The end is nigh" were a common sight. We wouldn't be surprised if signs began showing up around VW headquarters that read "He is coming, 26-11-08." But the "he" they'd be referring to is Wendelin Wiedeking, CEO of Porsche, now that Porsche has announced its plans to take a greater-than-50-percent share in VW before the end of November.

Porsche's annual meeting is on November 26. The company hasn't said how big a stake it plans to take, nor when it will be doing the taking, but it's apparently ready to get this whole VW-ownership escapade into an endgame. There are still legal issues and technical challenges and Lower Saxony to deal with, but we have a feeling it's going to be a lot more difficult to argue with the phrase "absolute majority."

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

2009 Ford F-150 Lariat by SSE to debut at SEMA

2009 Ford F-150 Lariat by SSEStreet Scene Equipment (SSE), is a company based in Costa Mesa , California that manufacturers and sells custom body kits and parts to those folks who want to make their ride unique. Almost every year, SSE works with car manufacturers and develops new projects for the SEMA show. One of the projects that will be present at the show from Las Vegas, will be the 2009 Ford F-150 Lariat.

The new vehicle will feature a completely new front bumper incorporated with some stylish fog lights, new grille, new side skirts and Cal-Vu mirrors. Also, the car will feature new 24 inch FS 906 Fesler alloy wheels fitted with Yokohama tires. At the interior the pickup will feature new carbon-fiber accessories, video monitors and a new Audio Innovations sound system. Under the hood, beside the 5.4-liter V8 engine, we will find an Air Raid intake system and a MagnaFlow exhaust kit.

[source autoblog via pickuptrucks]

Maserati could add a small sedan, wagon is a no-go

Maserati is on a bit of a tear, and if things keep going its way, the Trident will turn that into a full-on ripper. The Gran Turismo S and Quattroporte S have secured the right kind of buzz, a Gran Turismo convertible – said to feature a cloth top, not a folding steel unit – is on the way, and there's always that Gran Turismo MC Corse Concept to hope for. If additional models get to wear the badge, they will come via Alfa. Fiat underlings Maser and Alfa have pledged to share technologies, so if Alfa picks up a RWD platform from someone else, that's an opportunity for Maserati to create a small sedan and coupe to fit underneath the GT and the Quattroporte. What Maserati will definitely not be creating, however, is a wagon: the Kuban GT has been taken off the menu. You'll hear no complaints from us about that, for while there can't be too many Maseratis, there can certainly be the wrong kind of Maserati.

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

Oil back below $88 on Monday

Simply put, the U.S. economy is in the crapper. Stocks are yoyoing and our mortgages are a fraction of what they were even a year ago. For all that's fiscally wrong here in the States, there is one pleasant side effect: the price of a barrel of oil is dropping faster than Kimbo Slice against a two bit hack. Oil dropped 6% in trading on Monday, bringing down the price of a barrel of crude to $87.81. Black Gold has been on a downward trajectory since July 11, when it peaked at $147 per barrel. Since then, demand has weakened both in the U.S. and China, with demand slacking so badly that the Communist government hasn't purchased any oil in two months, and it's even selling some of its stockpiles.

While demand for oil is down to where it was eight months ago, OPEC is watching with a wary eye. The oil consortium, which on several occasions has increased oil production over the past year, is likely to slash production when it meets again in December. In the short term, industry experts are predicting that gas prices will drop below the $3 mark by November 1, which will make for one piece of good news in an otherwise lousy news cycle.

[Source: Reuters]

Black-matte Ferrari Enzo

Understatement can sometimes be a beautiful thing. This black-matte Ferrari Enzo was spotted at the Ferrari Racing Days held last weekend at the track at the Nürburgring in Germany. The car was flanked by its more traditional brothers painted in glossy factory red and black.

Although the owner is unknown, you can likely leave him (or her) a message directly on the car now that it has a chalkboard-like paint job. So is this a stealth beauty, or just the worst customized paint job since the golden Porsche?

[Source:Autoblog.nl]

Volkswagen launches base model Scirocco with two new engines

Volkswagen has made getting behind the wheel of a Scirocco just a little bit easier... in the UK. When the low-slung three-door was launched it was only available in up-level GT trim, but now it's available in base form, starting at £18,790. For what it's worth (not much, sadly), that converts to $32,600 at current rates, but the Scirocco still isn't offered in the States anyway. The new standard engine is VW's 1.4-liter TSI engine rated at 160-horsepower and nearly 43 miles per gallons in the combined EU cycle. The Base trim still includes a six-disc CD changer, air conditioning and exclusive 17-inch alloys.

A second engine is now offered in both Base and GT trims, and it's a diesel. Displacing 2.0-liters and offering 140-horsepower, the common rail oil-burner gets over 55 European miles per gallon, with a choice of either a six-speed manual or DSG gearbox.

[Source: Volkswagen]

California is a true Ferrari: sold out through 2010

What recession? Ferrari just confirmed that the Ferrari California is officially sold out through 2010. The 179,000 Euro supercoupe/cab is scheduled to be produced in batches of about 2,000 per year and has been a runaway success for the Maranello manufacturer. Company President Luca di Montezemolo was recently quoted as saying, "In 2008 there was the success of the Scuderia. 2009 will be characterized by the California. It has been an incredible success. We have already sold all of the 2008 and 2009 production. You have to now wait until 2011 for one."

Rather than act as a replacement for anything in the current lineup, the California was intended to be an eight-cylinder car that would compliment the F430 and be a vehicle with a lot of flexibility according to Ferrari. While some say it isn't the most beautiful Ferrari they've ever seen, the performance should be pretty spectacular for those lucky souls with a signed contract already in hand. The new direct-injection, 460-hp 4.3L V8 should be more than adequate for propelling this prancing pony down the road with gusto.

[Source: la Repubblica via Eurocar Blog]

Alfa Romeo 8C goes on sale now in U.S., already sold out

And with these words, the Alfisti shall rejoice: Alfa Romeo is finally back in the United States. While a full scale return by the Italian maker won't happen until 2009 or 2010, you can officially buy the Alfa 8C Competizione starting this month through one of the designated Maserati dealers tabbed to carry this rolling piece of automotive hotness. Check that, you can arrange delivery. Seems all of the 8Cs earmarked for the U.S. are already spoken for. So at least in theory, Alfa has returned. The 8C Spider open air version won't show up until 2010, but we really like the coupe enough not to be too distressed about the wait.

When the full operation ramps up, we are expecting that someone strolling into an Alfa Romeo dealership will be able to purchase not only the 8C Competizione and 8C Spider, but hopefully the hotter 8C GTA, the Brera and 159 or their replacements, the MiTo and 149, and whisperings also suggest a large rear-drive car possibly based on a Jaguar platform, along with a BMW X3 rival. Sounds a bit like Heaven. As always, we'll keep you posted.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req.]

Ford considering Ka for U.S. market

Ford has said in the past that it wasn't looking to bring its lovable little Ka subcompact to the United States, but increased demand for fuel efficient transportation has the Dearborn-based automaker rethinking its plans. The Ka is very popular in Europe, where fuel-sipping cars have long been accepted, but the tiny Ka has never been sold here in the States. The new Ka, which was shown off in Paris last week, carries Ford's European Kinetic Design theme that is shared with the larger Fiesta and Focus, but in a much smaller package.

Ford CEO Alan Mulally told a local Detroit radio station this morning that many within Ford Motor Company would like to bring the Ka across the pond, and that executives are reassessing the situation. The new Ka hits European showrooms in early 2009, and even if the Ka does come here, we likely won't see the sub-compact until 2011 at the earliest. With fuel prices in constant flux, we're guessing MPG-conscious customers will make the Ka a safe bet for Ford in the U.S.

[Source: Detroit News]

Aston Martin continues to tease the One-77

It's hard to think of a DB-9 or Vanquish as anything other than automotive perfection, so when the Brits in Gaydon say the One-77 is the embodiment of Aston Martin design, color us interested. The ultra-exclusive two-seat supercar seems to have it all: a 700 hp V12, carbon fiber chassis, aluminum body, and the ultimate in Aston design. The One-77 has an exclusive price tag of about £1,050,000 before taxes, too, and even the Paris Motor Show isn't a big enough venue to unveil the full design to the world.

Aston Martin is sure playing up the anticipation for the One-77, and even though there is absolutely no shot we'll ever get to drive one, we're taking the bait. Teasers and sneak peaks are all we're getting at this point, and with a full year before it goes on sale, we could be waiting a bit longer. Aston CEO Bez Ulrich and chief designer Mark Reichman sat down to discuss the One-77 with the cameras rolling, and the two key players on team Martin seem to be in love with this vehicle. Hit the jump to see more glimpses of the One-77 lurking in the shadows, while Bez and Mark shower the mega-exclusive supercar with verbal praise. Now just show us the whole damn car already!

Citroen Hypnos concept

Someone over at Citroen has been hitting the absinthe. Well, why not, because Citroen is celebrating its birthday and had the semi-annual Paris auto salon in town to coincide. We'd say they should have stuck with the champagne, but we kinda like this car. Called the Hypnos, it's all business on the outside, and all trippy on the inside.

The exterior looks something like a darker, more versatile version of the GT concept developed by the same company. The interior is something else altogether, and is likely to seem familiar only to those who have gone diving in coral reefs or spent some time in Amsterdam. (If anyone's asking, we fall into the former.) Power is provided by the the HYmotion4 hybrid diesel powertrain PSA rolled out on several show cars, including sister-company Peugeot's Prologue and RC HYmotion4 concepts, which gives the Hypnos green credentials to go with the hippie-inspired design theme. Of course, this falls squarely in the design study category of concept cars (as opposed to the production preview sort), but if this is an indication of where Citroen is headed, overseas customers could be in for a wild ride.

Ferrari Price Updates

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MSRP: $190,600
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Standard Engine:
5.0L V10, 40 valve, 520 hp @ 8000 rpm

* 6 speed manual (standard) or 6 speed automatic transmission
* 11 mpg city / 17 mpg hwy more info
* Green Rating: 41

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* based on MSRP, 20% down, 6.5% interest rate, 8% sales tax, 48 months.

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Standard Features:

* Front Side Airbags With Head Protection
* All-Wheel Drive
* AM/FM Radio With 4 Speakers Total; 6-Disc CD Changer; MP3 Player


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* Rear Electronic Parking Aid With Camera
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2008 Ferrari 599

2008 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano Summary

The 2008 599 GTB Fiorano is a 2-door, 2-passenger luxury sports car, available in two trims, the Coupe and the Coupe F1.

Upon introduction, both trims are equipped with a standard 6.0-liter, V12, 620-horsepower engine that achieves 11-mpg in the city and 15-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard on the Coupe. A 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on the Coupe F1.

The 2008 599 GTB Fiorano is all-new for 2008.

Ferrari Info

we're doing a project for school specifically on the "design" of Ferrari cars but we're having trouble finding information on the actual design of the cars, how they are made, etc. If you know of any websites that have this information or just information in general about Ferrari's I would greatly appreciate the links.
search for automotive design.
There are 5 people in a team of automotive designers.

1. Designer of outside of car.
2. Interior designer
3. Marketing and manufacturing
4. Chassis and engine
5. Project leader.

They draw it, then they make a computer drawing on a CAD program. From the computer drawing the machine reads it and carves a clay copy of the car.

After they make the full size version of the car out of clay, they review the design and make some changes by carving the clay themselves.

Then they do the same thing for the inside of the car to work on the design of the ergonomics.

Then they make real versions of it by making the machine carve out the body out of metal.

The engines are hand built.

Everything else is put totheger by machines.
Then they start testing the car and see how they can improve with aerodynamics, handling, engine performance.

Alfa Romeo Brera Ti

Standing in front of the Alfa Romeo display in Paris, we found ourselves in a bit of a conundrum. The big news from Alfa was, of course, the official worldwide show debut of the MiTo, and the stand was rife with them. But we've already brought you galleries of photos of the MiTo, and even flew all the way over to Italy to drive it. (For you, of course.) But a European car show wouldn't be a European car show without some shots of an Alfa Romeo. Fortunately the Italians were kind enough to oblige with a new, hotter version of the impossibly gorgeous Brera.

The Brera Ti picks up some of the improvements developed by British rally and racing concern Prodrive (yes, that Prodrive, the ones who field Aston Martin in Le Mans, Subaru in the WRC and brought Honda back into F1). The Ti gets a stiffened suspension, 8C-style 19-inch anthracite alloys and Brembo brakes.

Renault Megane Trophy concept

We've said it before but it warrants repeating: Renault makes some of the meanest hot hatches in the business. The (very) outgoing Megane RS has been a favorite among the track day crowd and really any European customer looking for a fast ride with sharp handling that can still serve on the daily grind. With the new Megane now out in the open, the big question on the minds of Renaultsport fans is what manner of fire-breathing demon will follow the established favorite they know and love? Clearly this isn't the answer, but if the production Megane III RS comes even remotely close to this concept car, we'll have yet another European machine to lust after.

The Renault Megane Trophy concept features a Nissan-sourced 3.5-liter V6 mounted amidship like in the old Renaultsport Clio V6, but producing a prodigious 360hp driving through a six-speed sequential gearbox, all wrapped in a competition-grade body with more wing than the Concorde and more louvers than a Parisian museum tour. Currently the car is just a concept, but could end up going into limited production for a spec racing series.

Renault Megane III

Renault is stepping things up a notch. The French automaker has launched an aggressive campaign to refresh and broaden its lineup, including recent launches of the new Laguna, Twingo and Koleos, to name just a few. But this one will likely prove more important than all the others.

The Megane is Renault's bread and butter, competing in a dog-eat-dog segment against the likes of Volkswagen's new Golf and the popular European-spec Ford Focus. Diversity is part of Renault's plan of attack, planning to offer six different Megane bodystyles, each with its own distinct character. To start off, Renault launched the five-door hatchback and the sleek new coupe on its home turf here in Paris. Both represent striking departures from the models they replace, and the three-door cuts a particularly aggressive silhouette.

Ford Kuga Individual

When we put the production Ford Kuga next to its progenitor, the Iosis X show car, on our test drive in Belgium, we couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. The Kuga is a fine looking cute-ute, but lacks the aggressive styling that made the Iosis X such a show stopper. Ford promised to close the gap a little with the Individual version of the Kuga, launched here in Paris.

The Kuga joins Individual versions of the Ford Mondeo, Fiesta, S-Max and Galaxy, offering overseas buyers a host of luxury options you'd normally find on higher-end automobiles. The interior trim in particular goes a long way towards addressing some of the incoherence we mentioned in our review as well. Along with the leather and stuff, the Kuga Individual gets a revised exterior package that evokes some of the touches from the concept car, like aluminum intake fascias, 20" wheels and ground effects. The latter gives the Kuga a more road-skimming look as opposed to the Iosis X's jacked-up stature, but it's a nice touch all the same. The best part, however, could be the new engine option: the same Volvo-sourced turbo five from the hot Focus ST, albeit detuned to 200hp.