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[VIDEO: <i>Top Gear</i> pits BMW X5 M against Audi Q7 TDI and Land Rover Range Rover Supercharged]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/video-top-gear-pits-bmw-x5-m-against-audi-q7-tdi-and-lan/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/video-top-gear-pits-bmw-x5-m-against-audi-q7-tdi-and-lan/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/video-top-gear-pits-bmw-x5-m-against-audi-q7-tdi-and-lan/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Why the whole world loves Top Gear - click above to watch the video

If you're like us - and odds are very good you are - you have an evergreen problem. Namely, getting your significant other to feel one-tenth of the excitement about cars that you feel. Sure, you've tried explaining that while you almost drove off the freeway, it's okay because you were trying to catch up with a 1978 Chevrolet Corvette Indy Pace Car. Or that waking up at 5:30 am on a Saturday to stand around in a parking lot drinking coffee and gawking at old cars is a perfectly normal family activity. You've probably even suggested that she might be happier driving to work in a Citroën DS. Maybe that last part is just us. But maybe not.

Well friends, we have found the solution. The following ten minute clip of Jeremy Clarkson waxing extra poetic about three "mad" SUVs is practically guaranteed to delight even the most fervent, dyed-in-the-wool car hater. It's simply brilliant. Why? Because it's Jeremy at his very best. Yes, of course, he insults stewardesses, environmentalists and the mentally ill all the while powersliding around an abandoned air strip. But he does it all in his 100-percent totally lovable way that frankly we find impossible to resist. Even those spouses that think your big, fat V8, "sounds wasteful" are sure to become fast fans. How could anyone argue with "sliced dolphins?" Make the jump to watch the video.

[Source: Top Gear via YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Top Gear pits BMW X5 M against Audi Q7 TDI and Land Rover Range Rover Supercharged

VIDEO: Top Gear pits BMW X5 M against Audi Q7 TDI and Land Rover Range Rover Supercharged originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> AudiAudi Q7 V12 TDIAudiQ7V12TdiBMWBMW X5 MBmwX5MClarksonJeremy ClarksonJeremyClarksonJezzaLand RoverLandRoverQ7Range RoverRange Rover SuperchargedRangeRoverRangeRoverSuperchargedTop GearTopGearX5X5 MX5M Wed, 23 Dec 2009 12:30:00 EST <![CDATA[Review: 2009 BMW Z4 sDrive30i is an easy lover]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/2009-bmw-z4-sdrive30i-review/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/2009-bmw-z4-sdrive30i-review/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/2009-bmw-z4-sdrive30i-review/#comments Filed under: , , ,

2009 BMW Z4 sDrive30i - Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW's storied history of building roadsters dates back to the original 328 of the 1930s. However, there have been gaps in the brand's open-top lineage, including one extended stretch through the '60s, '70s and '80s. After a dalliance with the bizarre European market Z1, BMW finally got serious about roadsters again in the '90s with the introduction of the Z3.

Earlier this year, the Munich brand introduced what's essentially the third generation of its modern mainline roadster (discounting the aforementioned low-volume Z1 and the Z8) in the shape of its all-new Z4. Upon its introduction, the esteemed Mr. Harley took our first crack at the new "E89" at its Southern California launch last spring and came away with mixed feelings.

To be fair, whenever an automaker builds a new model, there's always a distinction between what the engineers and designers expect of it and what consumers bank on. There's also a big difference between spending a few hours on a prescribed driving route under controlled conditions versus living with a car as a daily driver for a week or longer. So we wanted to spend time with the Z4 on more familiar turf to see what life is like with BMW's newest roadster.


Gallery: Review: 2010 BMW Z4 sDrive35i


Photos by Sam Abuelsamid / Copyright (C)2009 Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2009 BMW Z4 sDrive30i is an easy lover

Review: 2009 BMW Z4 sDrive30i is an easy lover originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2009 BMW Z42009 BMW Z4 sDrive30i2009BmwZ42009BmwZ4Sdrive30iBimmerbmwBMW reviewBMW Z4BMW Z4 reviewBmwReviewBmwZ4BmwZ4Reviewconvertiblefeaturedfolding hardtopFoldingHardtopreviewreviewsroadstersDrive30Z4Z4 ReviewZ4Review Wed, 23 Dec 2009 11:57:00 EST <![CDATA[Ford Taurus SHO and Fusion Hybrid awarded 2010 Urban Autos of the Year]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/ford-taurus-sho-and-fusion-hybrid-awarded-2010-urban-autos-of-th/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/ford-taurus-sho-and-fusion-hybrid-awarded-2010-urban-autos-of-th/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/ford-taurus-sho-and-fusion-hybrid-awarded-2010-urban-autos-of-th/#comments Filed under: , , ,

2010 Ford Taurus SHO - Click above for high-res image gallery

There's seemingly no end to the lists and awards that can be dolled out to (sometimes questionably) deserving cars and trucks at the end of the year. Take, for instance, the Urban Automobile of the Year Award by On Wheels Media. This is the 14th year in a row the award has been passed out, and this year top billing goes to the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO.

Athletic, upscale, class-leading, confident, engaging and impressive are all words that seem befitting of an award winner, and you'll find all of them in the press release after the break describing the new SHO. But wait - there's more! We have a second Urban AOTY, this one on the green side of the coin. With the latest Toyota Prius and Honda Insight obvious choices for such an award, Ford is surely happy to see that its 2010 Fusion Hybrid - the most fuel efficient midsize sedan in America at 41 city, 36 highway - earned the trophy, giving the Blue Oval a total sweep of the ceremony.

So, what qualifies a vehicle to be an Urban Automobile of the Year, anyway? Glad you asked. According to Randi Payton, president and publisher of On Wheels Media, "The Urban Automobiles of the Year resonate with the majority of new car buyers who live in urban and suburban areas. The vehicles chosen are cost and fuel-efficient and have performance and safety characteristics relevant to consumers in metropolitan areas." So, there you have it.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Taurus SHO


Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

2010fordfusionhybrid_review0002010fordfusionhybrid_review0012010fordfusionhybrid_review0022010fordfusionhybrid_review0032010fordfusionhybrid_review004

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford Taurus SHO and Fusion Hybrid awarded 2010 Urban Autos of the Year

Ford Taurus SHO and Fusion Hybrid awarded 2010 Urban Autos of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> car of the yearcar of the year 2009car of the year 2010CarOfTheYearCarOfTheYear2009CarOfTheYear2010fordford fusion hybridford taurus shoFordFusionHybridFordTaurusShofusion hybridFusionHybridtaurus shoTaurusShourban auto of the yearurban automobile of the yearUrbanAutomobileOfTheYearUrbanAutoOfTheYear Wed, 23 Dec 2009 08:58:00 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[McChip introduces Ford Focus RS with 401 horses - Are you lovin' it?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/mcchip-introduces-ford-focus-rs-with-401-horses-are-you-lovin/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/mcchip-introduces-ford-focus-rs-with-401-horses-are-you-lovin/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/mcchip-introduces-ford-focus-rs-with-401-horses-are-you-lovin/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

401-hp Ford Focus tuned Mcchip-dkr - Click above for high-res image gallery

There are few things we love more than hooning around in a vigorous, purebred sports car - and that's exactly how Mcchip-dkr describes its 401-horsepower Ford Focus RS. That's the Stage 2 version delivering the "whole-blood athlete," but if you want to work your way up to those heights, you can get the Stage 1 conversion for €799 ($1,142 USD). You'll take your hatch from 301 stock horsepower to 345 and bump torque by about 50 lb-ft to 383 with an ECU upgrade.

But if 401 is your lucky horsepower number and you like the sound of 457 lb-ft. of torque, then you'll need €4,499 ($6,421 U.S.). That pile of pounds will give you access to a new manifold, uprated intercooler, spark plugs, and a sports exhaust as well as the necessary ECU tweaks. Mcchip-dkr thankfully didn't do anything regrettable to the Focus RS' already terrific looks. What they've done with torque steer outside of the stock RS' trick Revoknuckle and limited-slip setup is anyone's guess.

Have a look at the press release after the jump, and there are more images of the car in the high-res gallery below.


Gallery: Mcchip-dkr Focus RS


[Source: Mcchip-dkr]

Continue reading McChip introduces Ford Focus RS with 401 horses - Are you lovin' it?

McChip introduces Ford Focus RS with 401 horses - Are you lovin' it? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2010 Focus RS2010FocusRsaftermarketfocus rsFocusRsford focusford focus rsFordFocusFordFocusRsmcchip-dkrmcchip-dkr ford focusMcchip-dkrFordFocus Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:59:00 EST <![CDATA[Tornados Touch Down: Gemballa releases another pair of tuned Porsche Cayennes]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/tornados-touch-down-gemballa-releases-another-pair-of-tuned-por/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/tornados-touch-down-gemballa-releases-another-pair-of-tuned-por/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/tornados-touch-down-gemballa-releases-another-pair-of-tuned-por/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Gemballa Tornado 750 GTS/4 and GT 500 Aero 3 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Aha - so that Enzo MIG-UI wasn't the only duotone beast that Gemballa was hiding. For an encore, try this: the Gemballa Tornado 750 GTS/4. Based on a Porsche Cayenne Turbo, the German tuner adds new headlights and a night vision system, more of that widebody-and-vents thing, with LEDs hidden in the vents ahead of the front wheels. The inside is bathed in leather, Alcantara, and carbon, and the rear bench is bisected by a center console. The package is lowered on 22-inch wheels and is powered by a 750-horsepower engine.

If you want to turn the volume on your tuned Cayenne down a bit, then try the Gemballa GT 500 Aero 3, which wears less ostentatious aero lowered over 22-inch wheels, a new exhaust, and a revised interior.

Both SUVs are slightly tweaked and repainted versions of the Tornado 750 GTS and GT 500 Aero 3 that Gemballa released earlier this year. You can have a look at both in the gallery of high-res photos below.


Gallery: Gemballa Tornado 750 GTS / 4


Gallery: Gemballa GT 500 Aero 3


[Source: Gemballa]

Tornados Touch Down: Gemballa releases another pair of tuned Porsche Cayennes originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2010 Cayenne2010 Porsche2010 Porsche Cayenne Turbo2010Cayenne2010Porsche2010PorscheCayenneTurboaftermarketcayennegemballagemballa gt 500 aero 3Gemballa Tornado 750 GTSGemballaGt500Aero3GemballaTornado750Gtsporscheporsche cayennePorsche Cayenne TurboPorsche tunerPorscheCayennePorscheCayenneTurboPorscheTunertuner Tue, 22 Dec 2009 12:58:00 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[Detroit Preview: Cadillac to unveil new concept, production CTS-V Coupe]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/detroit-preview-cadillac-to-unveil-new-concept-production-cts/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/detroit-preview-cadillac-to-unveil-new-concept-production-cts/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/detroit-preview-cadillac-to-unveil-new-concept-production-cts/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Detroit-bound Cadillac Concept Teaser - Click above to enlarge

Under the typically dark veil of show-car secrecy, Cadillac has released a teaser image of a new concept that will be unveiled next month at the Detroit Auto Show. As you'd expect, details are slim, but we've been assured that this is an entirely new concept and something we've not yet seen, which rules out the Voltec-powered Converj as well as the 3 Series-fighting ATS.

Dissecting the teaser a bit, we're pretty sure we see four doors, and we'll take Caddy's word that its "latest concept advances the brand's Art & Science philosophy." Other than that, we're in the dark, but wouldn't be terribly surprised if it were either a hint at something high-performance, environmentally responsibility or both. It could also be a preview of a new range-topping model from GM's luxury division.

In addition to the unknown concept car, Cadillac also plans to introduce Detroit show-goers to the production version of its 2011 CTS-V Coupe. Expect that model to add the normal V-spec performance accouterments to the drop-dead stunning CTS Coupe shape that was just shown off in LA. That means 556 horsepower and 551 lb-feet of torque from a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine, a choice of automatic and manual six-speed transmissions, a sport suspension with Magnetic Ride Control and standard 19-inch alloy wheels. Production of the superfast two-door is slated for the summer of 2010.

There's not much more to say, but feel free to hit the jump for the official press release and be sure to gander at the concept's teaser image in high-res.

[Source: Cadillac]

Continue reading Detroit Preview: Cadillac to unveil new concept, production CTS-V Coupe

Detroit Preview: Cadillac to unveil new concept, production CTS-V Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> cadillaccadillac conceptcadillac cts coupeCadillac CTS-Vcadillac cts-v coupeCadillacConceptCadillacCts-vCadillacCts-vCoupeCadillacCtsCoupeCTSCTS Coupects vCTS-Vcts-v coupeCts-vCoupeCtsCoupeCtsVDetroitdetroit 2010detroit auto showDetroit2010DetroitAutoShowNAIASnaias 2010Naias2010North American International Auto ShowNorthAmericanInternationalAutoShow Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:01:00 EST <![CDATA[NSX no more: Honda HSV-10 GT ready to race in SuperGT]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/nsx-no-more-honda-hsv-10-gt-ready-to-race-in-supergt/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/nsx-no-more-honda-hsv-10-gt-ready-to-race-in-supergt/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/nsx-no-more-honda-hsv-10-gt-ready-to-race-in-supergt/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Honda HSV-10 GT - Click above for high-res image

The Honda NSX might be gone, but it's set to live on as the HSV-10 GT in Japan's SuperGT championship.

Although we don't have an official release or specs yet, we do have the image above and some preliminary details on the HSV-10 GT or Velocity Sports Honda. Built to the 2010 GT500 regulations, the new front/mid-engine racer from Honda is packing a 500+ hp, 3.4-liter V8 and sending power through the same Ricardo sequential manual gearbox fitted to the 2010 SuperGT cars from Nissan and Toyota. Underneath all that glorious carbon fiber is the same chassis Honda's been working on (originally as an NSX replacement) for the last two years. The SuperGT season opener is scheduled for March 20 and 21 of 2010, but we expect more details and a host of high-res images to hit soon. Stay tuned...

UPDATED with press release after the jump.

[Source: LeBlogAuto]

Continue reading NSX no more: Honda HSV-10 GT ready to race in SuperGT

NSX no more: Honda HSV-10 GT ready to race in SuperGT originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 22:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> breakinggt500hondahonda hsv-10 gthonda supergthonda supergt500HondaHsv-10GtHondaSupergtHondaSupergt500hsv 10 gthsv-10 gtHsv-10Gthsv10gtsupergt Mon, 21 Dec 2009 22:39:00 EST <![CDATA[Gemballa-tuned Enzo MIG-UI waiting for The Empire to strike back again]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/gemballa-tuned-enzo-mig-ui-waiting-for-the-empire-to-strike-back/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/gemballa-tuned-enzo-mig-ui-waiting-for-the-empire-to-strike-back/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/gemballa-tuned-enzo-mig-ui-waiting-for-the-empire-to-strike-back/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Ferrari Enzo MIG-UI by Gemballa -- Click above for image gallery

The black and white menace you see above was created for Gemballa's Middle East distributor, the Illyas and Mustafa Galadari Group, using Mustafa's personal Enzo as the subject. The roof scoop, jet-thruster-surrounds for the exhaust, and black rims are Gemballa hallmarks, on top of which the nose has been slightly sculpted and the hood sports a central scoop.

The widebody treatment has given Gemballa room to add new elements, like the vents up front and behind the wheels, the gills on the fenders, and stolen-from-a-Subie rear wing. Other Enzo features, like the side vents, have merely been massaged. The paint scheme, a far cry from the Middle East's de rigueur gold or chrome, is nothing short of arresting -- make of that what you will. We don't mind it.

The inside is rather subdued, comparatively speaking: black and quilted red leather, trimmed in red stitching and piping. We don't know anything else about the car at the moment -- seems the proud owners are holding back until it's officially rolled out, debutante style, to a waiting Dubai public. If anyone makes it to the unveiling, please let us know if it comes with a set of Imperial armor and an E-11 blaster...


Gallery: Gemballa Ferrari Enzo MIG-UI


[Source: TeamSpeed]

Gemballa-tuned Enzo MIG-UI waiting for The Empire to strike back again originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> aftermarketdubaienzoferrar enzoferrar enzo mig-uiFerrarEnzoFerrarEnzoMig-uigemballagemballa ferrari enzogemballa ferrari enzo mig-uiGemballaFerrariEnzoGemballaFerrariEnzoMig-uimiddle eastMiddleEasttuner Mon, 21 Dec 2009 20:00:00 EST <![CDATA[VIDEO: Leno gets a ride in the new McLaren MP4-12C]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/video-leno-actually-drives-the-new-mclaren-mp4-12c/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/video-leno-actually-drives-the-new-mclaren-mp4-12c/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/video-leno-actually-drives-the-new-mclaren-mp4-12c/#comments Filed under: , , , ,


Jay Leno getting a ride in the McLaren MP4-12C prototype - Click above to view the video after the jump

A month ago, Jay Leno got a glimpse behind the scenes at McLaren, where the late-night talk show host and car nut got a tour of the facility and had a chance to sit in an early version of the company's newest roadcar in the studio. While Jay was on the other side of the pond he even stopped in at Top Gear to do a lap in the Lacetti. Well, apparently he ran a couple of laps in another car while he was at the Top Gear Test Track too. One camo-covered McLaren MP4-12C prototype.

After the jump you can view a video of Leno ride along in the new McLaren supercar, wax poetic about the 12C's power, its handling and its totally bespoke construction. Jay even wrote up an article for The Times recalling his experience. Read here and watch here.


Gallery: McLaren MP4-12C

mp4_12c_011_2mp4_12c_010_2mp4_12c_012_2mp4_12c_014_2mp4_12c_015_2

[Source: Times Online]

Continue reading VIDEO: Leno gets a ride in the new McLaren MP4-12C

VIDEO: Leno gets a ride in the new McLaren MP4-12C originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> baby McLarenBabyMclarenjay lenoJayLenolenomclarenMcLaren MP4-12CMclarenMp4-12cMP4-12Ctop gearTopGear Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:24:00 EST <![CDATA[FOLLOW-UP: Audi says electric e-tron puts out 501.5 lb-ft]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/follow-up-audi-says-electric-e-tron-puts-out-501-5-lb-ft/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/follow-up-audi-says-electric-e-tron-puts-out-501-5-lb-ft/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/follow-up-audi-says-electric-e-tron-puts-out-501-5-lb-ft/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Audi e-tron concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Will the real torque figure of the Audi e-tron concept please stand up? While the German automaker continues to claim its all-electric concept sportscar manages a stout, locomotive-like 4,500 Nm (3,319.03 pound-feet) of torque, the sleuthing boys at Automobile Magazine weren't buying it, instead coming up with a much more mundane rating of 252 lb-ft of torque after performing some back-of-a-paper-napkin calculations.

It would seem that the real torque figure lies somewhere in between those two estimates, though significantly closer to the lower, unadvertised number: 501.5 lb-ft. That's the total combined output of the four individual electric motors, says Audi. The astronomical 3,319 is the torque as measured at the wheels after being geared down and multiplied. So, why the disparity between the actual torque of the motors and the figure espoused by Audi to the motoring press?

Well, besides the obvious answer that 3,319 lb-ft at the wheels sounds much more impressive, Audi's engineers apparently thought the larger number was more indicative of the actual feeling of all the push generated by the four electric motors when accelerating from a dead stop, as the maximum torque figure is achieved right from zero RPM.

Regardless, using the still-impressive rating of 501.5 lb-ft is, in our opinion, much more accurate and easier to compare with the rest of the automotive field than the seemingly disingenuous 3,319 figure, and it's the number we plan to use when describing the car from this point forward.


Gallery: Audi e-tron concept


[Source: Green Car Advisor]

FOLLOW-UP: Audi says electric e-tron puts out 501.5 lb-ft originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> audiAudi E-TronAudi e-tron Conceptaudi e-tron torqueaudi electric vehicleaudi etronaudi etron conceptaudi etron torqueaudi evAudiE-tronAudiE-tronConceptAudiE-tronTorqueAudiElectricVehicleAudiEtronAudiEtronConceptAudiEtronTorqueAudiEve-tron torqueE-tronTorqueelectric audi r8electric audi r8 torqueelectric r8electric r8 torqueElectricAudiR8ElectricAudiR8TorqueElectricR8ElectricR8Torqueetron torqueEtronTorque Mon, 21 Dec 2009 17:58:00 EST <![CDATA[BMW Z4 GT3 coming in 2010 with M3 powerplant]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/bmw-z4-gt3-coming-in-2010-with-m3-powerplant/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/bmw-z4-gt3-coming-in-2010-with-m3-powerplant/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/bmw-z4-gt3-coming-in-2010-with-m3-powerplant/#comments Filed under: , , ,

2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is - Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW Motorsport has announced a lust-worthy addition to its growing line of customer racing offerings in the form of the BMW Z4 GT3.

Although BMW hasn't released pics yet, the factory-built Z4 will be powered by an uprated version of the M3's 4.0-liter V8 currently fitted to the race-ready M3 GT2. Controlled by a Type-408 ECU and Power400 control unit, the 4.0-liter V8 is good for a claimed 480 horsepower and sends its ample grunt through a standard six-speed sequential gearbox. Central-locking wheels, ABS and a host of other kit will allow the Z4 GT3 to campaign in a number of sanctioned events, including the FIA GT3 European Championship, International GT Open, ADAC GT Masters and several 24-hour enduros.

Deliveries begin in the second quarter of 2010, with an estimated price of 298,000 euro, or over $425,000 on a straight exchange. Full details and ordering information available in the press release below the fold.


Gallery: 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is


[Source: BMW Motorsport]

Continue reading BMW Z4 GT3 coming in 2010 with M3 powerplant

BMW Z4 GT3 coming in 2010 with M3 powerplant originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bmwbmw motorsportbmw z4 gt3BmwMotorsportBmwZ4Gt3fiagt3z4 Mon, 21 Dec 2009 16:00:00 EST <![CDATA[2011 Toyota Sienna pricing announced, starts at $24,260; sporty SE $30,550]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/2011-toyota-sienna-pricing-announced-starts-at-24-260-se-30/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/2011-toyota-sienna-pricing-announced-starts-at-24-260-se-30/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/2011-toyota-sienna-pricing-announced-starts-at-24-260-se-30/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,


2011 Toyota Sienna - Click above for high-res image gallery

This is our last Sienna post. We promise. Until we have something else we think is worth sharing. Toyota just released pricing details for the 2011 Toyota Sienna minivan and as expected it will indeed start lower than the 2009 model. Whereas the cheapest version of the current model rang in at $24,600, the newly available four cylinder allows Toyota to offer the significantly upgraded '11 model at a starting price of just $24,260 plus delivery. Hey, $340 is lower.

We recently had a chance to drive the whole range of Siennas and were quite impressed with their road manners, clever use of space, smart safety and infotainment features and yes, even their styling. But the model we came away most impressed with was the sporty new SE. Stepping up to this stiffened, carbon-fiber trimmed SE brings the asking price up to $30,550, while the range-topping Limited with AWD starts just short of forty grand at $39,770.

When Siennas start reaching dealerships next February, V6 models will only be available initially, with the four-cylinder base Sienna and LE joining the lineup in April, along with the SE. It looks like the V6 will add between $1,250 and $3,555 to the price of the base Sienna and LE, the only models available with the Venza's four-banger. In fact, the four-cylinder LE undercuts the V6 base Sienna by a few bucks.

Although Toyota expects to sell just two percent of Siennas equipped with all-wheel drive, the feature is available on LE, XLE and Limited models with a premium of $2,230, $2,340, and $1,270 respectively, over the front-wheel drive versions. Part of the AWD package is those great new Bridgestone runflats we'd love to see standard across the entire Sienna range. Prices, unfortunately, were not released for the options, so there might just be another Sienna post in our future. For now you can read all of the details after the jump.


Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Toyota Sienna


Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading 2011 Toyota Sienna pricing announced, starts at $24,260; sporty SE $30,550

2011 Toyota Sienna pricing announced, starts at $24,260; sporty SE $30,550 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2011 sienna2011 toyota2011 Toyota Sienna2011Sienna2011Toyota2011ToyotaSiennaSiennatoyotatoyota siennatoyota sienna miniva...ToyotaSiennaToyotaSiennaMiniva... Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:32:00 EST <![CDATA[VIDEO: Noble M600 attempts to kill Clarkson, embarasses Enzo]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/video-noble-m600-attempts-to-kill-clarkson-embarasses-enzo/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/video-noble-m600-attempts-to-kill-clarkson-embarasses-enzo/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/video-noble-m600-attempts-to-kill-clarkson-embarasses-enzo/#comments Filed under: , ,

Noble M600 - Click above for an updated high-res image gallery

No climate control. No sat-nav. No ABS. No ESP. What the Noble M600 lacks in luxury and safety amenities it makes up for in raw, mechanical brutality. And you know what? That's okay.

With curb weight of 2,810 pounds, a row-your-own six-speed manual and 650 horsepower and 618 pound-feet of torque on tap from its Volvo-sourced, twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, the M600 is a purist breath of fresh air in an era of tech-laden, heavyweight supercars. But stats (0-60 in three seconds, top speed of 225 mph) only tells half the tale.

Clarkson and the crew take the all-new, £200,000 Noble around the Top Gear test track and the results are predictably deranged. Not only does the traction control only have two settings - on and off - but keeping the mid-engine beastie in check proves too much for TG's ham-fisted frontman. That means it's a job for the Stig. And you can check out the results and its supercar-crushing lap time after the jump.


Gallery: 2010 Noble M600

Continue reading VIDEO: Noble M600 attempts to kill Clarkson, embarasses Enzo

VIDEO: Noble M600 attempts to kill Clarkson, embarasses Enzo originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> clarkson m600clarkson noble m600ClarksonM600ClarksonNobleM600jeremy clarksonJeremyClarksonm600noblenoble m600NobleM600top geartop gear noble m600TopGearTopGearNobleM600 Mon, 21 Dec 2009 12:29:00 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[REPORT: GM to show Chevy Orlando-based GMC Granite and hi-po Buick Regal in Detroit]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/19/report-gm-to-show-chevy-orlando-based-gmc-granite-and-hi-po-bui/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/19/report-gm-to-show-chevy-orlando-based-gmc-granite-and-hi-po-bui/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/19/report-gm-to-show-chevy-orlando-based-gmc-granite-and-hi-po-bui/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,


GMC Granite will share a platform with the 2011 Chevrolet Orlando shown above

It seems as though it's just about impossible to keep an embargo in place these days. A Canadian outlet just spilled the beans on a couple of GM reveals set for Detroit next month. They say they were invited to a sneak preview Wednesday evening and although they couldn't take pics, they felt free to tell us about the whole array of models. Some have been loosely-guarded secrets, but a couple are unknowns, so we'll quote CanadianDriver on those until we get confirmation from GM.

Apparently, The General will have a slew of new model introductions in the D next month, including the much-anticipated Camaro Convertible, the new, upsized Aveo, a substantially-revised Malibu, production versions of the Spark and Orlando, and two models we hadn't heard about until now: A GMC version of the Orlando dubbed the Granite, and a "sport version of the Buick Regal" that should get "many of its performance parts from the 325-hp Opel Insignia OPC." Hot dog, the Regal GS is apparently more than a wet dream. Bring on the Stage 1 and GNX.

The Regal was just introduced in Los Angeles a couple of weeks ago, so the announcement of a performance model so soon thereafter seems a little strange -- not that we're complaining, mind you. The Granite is described as an "urban utility vehicle" and will be the smallest model in GMC's history. A Denali edition can only be around the corner. We'll get you more details as they are released and we'll be sure to have the whole field covered when the Big Top opens at Cobo in January.


Gallery: Detroit 2009: Chevrolet Orlando Concept


Gallery: 2010 Chevy Spark


Gallery: 2011 Buick Regal Live Unveiling


[Source: CandianDriver]

REPORT: GM to show Chevy Orlando-based GMC Granite and hi-po Buick Regal in Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 19 Dec 2009 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2010 Detroit Auto Show2010DetroitAutoShowBuickBuick RegalBuick Regal GSBuickRegalBuickRegalGsCamaroCamaro ConvertibleCamaroConvertiblechevroletChevrolet Camaro ConvertibleChevrolet OrlandoChevrolet SparkChevroletCamaroConvertibleChevroletOrlandoChevroletSparkchevychevy camaro convertiblechevy malibuchevy orlandochevy sparkChevyCamaroConvertibleChevyMalibuChevyOrlandoChevySparkDetroitDetroit 2010detroit auto showdetroit auto show 2010Detroit2010DetroitAutoShowDetroitAutoShow2010gmGMCGMC GraniteGmcGraniteNAIASorlando Sat, 19 Dec 2009 18:25:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Swedish government to meet with GM officials - could Saab still be saved?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/19/report-swedish-government-to-meet-with-gm-officials-could-saa/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/19/report-swedish-government-to-meet-with-gm-officials-could-saa/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/19/report-swedish-government-to-meet-with-gm-officials-could-saa/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , ,


Saab 9-5 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Less than a day after General Motors officially announced Saab's euthanization, it looks like the storied Swedish brand might still have the faintest whisper of a pulse. Motor Trend is reporting that there are rumors swirling that the Swedish government will hold emergency meetings this weekend to try to save Saab. At least some government officials apparently feel that Saab is too important to fail... now where have we heard that before? With such a small population, the closure of Saab could have a major impact on the nation's economy, much like the failure of GM (and Chrysler, to a lesser extent) was viewed as potentially catastrophic in the States.

Some 3,400 employees will be jobless when GM completes its planned "orderly wind down" starting in January. That estimate doesn't include workers from the 1,100 Saab dealers that will also be shuttered around the globe.

Despite the failed selloff, things look like they're picking up at The General. The automaker announced yesterday that they had paid back the first $1 billion TARP money they borrowed from us the U.S. government. BAIC, Koenigsegg, Spyker and others had attempted to jump into the Saab fire-sale, but all have come out burned. Well, BAIC at least scored tooling for the old 9-3 and current 9-5. With a new-for 2010 9-5 having taken the stage at auto shows around the globe in recent months and the 9-4X in the wings, we'd love to see all of the Saab faithful get an early Christmas gift. We're definitely not holding our breath, but we'll keep you posted through the weekend should anything materialize.


Gallery: 2010 Saab 9-5


Gallery: Detroit 2008: Saab 9-4X Concept live reveal


[Source: Motor Trend]

REPORT: Swedish government to meet with GM officials - could Saab still be saved? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 19 Dec 2009 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> BAICbaic saabbaic saab toolingBaicSaabBaicSaabToolingGM Saabgm saab saleGM saleGmSaabGmSaabSaleGmSalekoenigseggkoenigsegg saabKoenigseggSaabSaabsaab 9-3Saab 9-4xsaab 9-5saab gmSaab9-3Saab9-4xSaab9-5SaabGmspykerspyker SaabSpykerSaabswedenSwedish GovernmentSwedishGovernment Sat, 19 Dec 2009 15:50:00 EST <![CDATA[Rumormill: Aluminum and carbon fiber, KERS-equipped BMW M5 cometh?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/18/rumormill-aluminum-and-carbon-fiber-kers-equipped-bmw-m5-comet/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/18/rumormill-aluminum-and-carbon-fiber-kers-equipped-bmw-m5-comet/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/18/rumormill-aluminum-and-carbon-fiber-kers-equipped-bmw-m5-comet/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



What does the future have in store for BMW's high-performance M division? For starters, lots and lots of power, along with a smattering of light weight and plenty of cutting-edge technology. This all sounds familiar, but the rumored details coming out of Bimmerfile suggest that the 2011 BMW M5 would be nothing short of revolutionary.

Not surprisingly, we're told to expect a version of the twin-turbo V8 that currently powers the M division's hi-po X5 and X6 tallboys with somewhere around 570 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque. On top of those prodigious figures may very well be a Kenetic Energy Recovery hybrid setup to recapture wasted energy from braking. The stored power would be used to send an extra shot of power via an electric motor contained in the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The KERS power boost reportedly would be controlled by the driver with a Formula 1-style button on the steering wheel.

Further performance would be found by putting the next-gen 5 Series on a diet consisting of a chassis wrought completely in aluminum with carbon fiber used in various body panels and optionally on the roof. We look forward to finding out just how much of this rumormill material turns out to be accurate, and we'll know for sure in early 2011 when the next M5 is slated for introduction.

[Source: Bimmerfile]

Rumormill: Aluminum and carbon fiber, KERS-equipped BMW M5 cometh? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2011 bmw m52011 bmw m5 turbo2011 bmw m5 turbo v82011 m52011BmwM52011BmwM5Turbo2011BmwM5TurboV82011M55 series5Seriesbmwbmw 5 seriesbmw m5BMW M5 CSLBmw5SeriesBmwM5BmwM5Cslm5 Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:29:00 EST