|
From the Awesome Files: V6 Miata auto-x weapon Filed under: Convertibles, Videos, Mazda 
Follow the jump for a video of the owner discussing and driving the car
You don't need to spend much time with a Miata to "get" why so many drivers are attracted to them. Perfectly executed and relentlessly entertaining, it's no surprise that Mazda's little roadster is the track-day weapon of choice for a number of people. While countless 4-banger Miatas do their thing on the autocross circuit, one Mark Snell was interested in kicking things up a level so he could run with the big boys in their 'Vettes and similar machinery. His solution? Drop a Mazda 2.5L V6 into his blue roadster's engine bay, then modify and tune it to the point where it's pushing 180 horsepower to the rear wheels. The view underhood is plenty cool -- we especially dig those Suzuki GSX-R1000 throttle bodies he's added. The Miata sounds pretty mean, too. Follow the jump for a video in which Snell gives a tour of his car and discusses the car and the modifications he's made before taking viewers for a quick spin. We believe that this is what fun looks like. Thanks for the tip, Ryan!
[Source: Driving Sports]Continue reading From the Awesome Files: V6 Miata auto-x weapon Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
VW Rabbit gets a carrot from Consumer Reports Filed under: Hatchbacks, Chevrolet, Dodge, Mazda, Pontiac, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen 
If Consumer Reports is right, Volkswagen is well on its way to attaining its dream of outselling Toyota by 2015. In the magazine's June 2008 issue, CR threw a handful of hatchbacks into the ring and the VW Rabbit hopped out the winner. The magazine cited the Rabbit's "very well finished" interior for its class, agility, braking and transmission as reasons to choose it over a growing field of small hatchbacks. CR also expects the Rabbit to have an "above average" reliability record.
The biggest negative the staff found in the VW was "mediocre" fuel economy for a car its size, though many SUV drivers looking to downsize will love seeing its 24 mpg figure. Staffers also complained about the large C-pillars blocking their view and engine lag after stops.
Consumer Reports has routinely praised the Mazda3 as one of its favorite hatches, but in overall scoring, the car now comes in third, slightly behind the Toyota Prius Touring. Rounding out the top five are the Subaru Impreza Outback Sport and the newly redesigned Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe twins. At the bottom of the list are the Dodge Caliber and the Chevrolet HHR.
[Source: Consumer Reports] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Is Hyundai targeting Texas for a new manufacturing plant? Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Hyundai  Richard Cortez, the Mayor of McAllen, Texas, called a news conference earlier this week to announce that city officials were in talks with an unnamed automaker to build a new manufacturing facility in the Rio Grande Valley. Interestingly enough, he gave few other details as he was worried about upsetting the "customer" as they have asked for silence on the project. Not to surprise anyone, but all signs are pointing at Hyundai Motor Company.
The Mayor has good reason to keep his mouth shut. Just two years ago, the South Korean automaker was in talks with local area officials about a similar project. Those plans fell through when early media leaks identified Hyundai as the potential automaker, and they chose West Point, Georgia, instead. (You are probably asking yourself, as we are, why would the Mayor call a news conference about this in the first place...)
Regardless, analysts say the Rio Grande Valley would be a good fit for Hyundai. The location is close to Mexico, so components could be assembled on the other side of the border and shipped to the United States for final assembly. If Hyundai chooses Texas for their new plant it would be their fourth facility in the United States following plants in Alabama, Georgia, and California. That is, if the Mayor can keep a secret. Thanks for the tip iSpec!
[Source: The Monitor] Permalink | Email this | Comments
Spy Shots: Opel Insignia five-door hatch caught Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Euro, Hatchbacks, Saturn, Opel  Over in Europe, midsize cars like the Opel Vectra, Renault Laguna and Ford Mondeo have long been offered in multiple body configurations including four-door sedans, station wagons and, of course, five-door hatchbacks. Unlike Americans, who for some reason are averse to a fifth body opening unless the vehicle rides 4 to 6 inches higher than it should, Europeans have always appreciated the extra utility. The Opel Vectra is being replaced this summer by the redesigned and renamed Insignia, but so far we've only seen photos (either spy pics or official GM shots) of the four-door sedan that will likely land here later next year as the next Saturn Aura. A sharp-eyed photographer, however, has captured what may be the first shots of the new hatchback Insignia. The five-door version doesn't look radically different from the sedan, the main variance being the shorter rear deck that's attached to the rear glass. Will the hatchback arrive as an Aura at Saturn dealers? Highly improbable, but then so was the Astra, so anything is possible. We more likely might just get a wagon version that we haven't yet seen.
[Source: Winding Road] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Lamborghini Reventon #01/20 arrives at Vegas dealership Filed under: Car Buying, Supercars, Lamborghini 
Click above for photo gallery
Sometimes people say the best gifts come in small packages. We beg to differ, because if someone were to deliver us the big 'ol box you see above, we'd probably think it was the best gift ever. In that box is Lamborghini Reventon number one of twenty. Apparently, it's the only example which will be sold privately via a traditional dealership -- in this case, Lamborghini of Las Vegas. The other nineteen were all spoken for before ever leaving the factory. We've attached a sampling of photos here, but to see the complete, step-by-step gallery of the car's unboxing in Sin City, you'll need to drop by Fresh Tarmac. If you're an Autoblog reader vacationing in Vegas, you know what to do if you jackpot one of those hundred-dollar slots.
[Source: Fresh Tarmac] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
REPORT: Racer dies in 24 Hours of LeMons crash Filed under: Motorsports 
Jalopnik reports that one of the competitors at the 24 Hours of LeMons race at Altamont has tragically died in an accident on the course. At present, the identity of the victim, who was driving the #39 Volvo 242 Turbo pictured above, has not been released. According to Jalopnik's Murilee Martin, who is reporting on-site from LeMons and also competing in the event, the #39 car collided with a wall at high speed, and rescue personnel cut off its roof to extract the driver. Following the incident, LeMons organizers reportedly called off the rest of Saturday's racing. We don't know what's planned for Sunday, and strongly recommend you check Jalopnik for updates. Autoblog extends its heartfelt condolences and prayers to the fallen racer's family, friends and teammates.
[Source: Jalopnik] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Snake Skin Green Hennessey Venom 1000TT up for sale Filed under: Tuners, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Supercars, Dodge 
Click above for a high resolution image
As if 1000 horsepower, 0-60 mph in 2.25 seconds and the huge rear wing didn't attract enough attention. It just had to be in Snake Skin Green. According to Hennessey, this is the first and only Venom Twin-Turbo in this color, and it's listed for sale on HennesseyPerformance.com. It comes with the 1200-horsepower upgrade option, VenomAero body kit, KW adjustable coilover suspension, Brembo brakes, lightweight wheels, and more. The car's new owner will also be able to make Bugatti Veyron owners green with envy as they see this Viper's taillights fading into the distance. Click away in the full-res gallery below.
[Source: Hennessey Performance] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Mazda Biante: JDM-only seating for eight Filed under: Minivans/MPVs, Mazda 
Click above for a high-res gallery, follow the jump for video
Meet the Biante, Mazda's new Japan-only 8-passenger minivan. The funky oversized headlamps, expansive greenhouse, and stylish frenched taillamps are the work of Iwao Koizumi, designer of the original Atenza (Mazda6 outside Japan) and CX-7.
Mazda announced the Biante earlier this week, and details are still a bit thin thin. According to the automaker, the new people-mover's name is derived from the word "ambient" and will deliver the most interior space in its class when it goes on sale later this summer. We expect to learn more technical info then, but in the meantime, we've got a promo video after the jump as well as a high-res photo gallery below.
If you can read Japanese, you can also stop by the official Biante website, which features a bunch of Gumby-like characters that represent a family of seven, plus one dog -- all of whom should fit in the new ride. You know, if they were real people. It's all very Japanese.
[Sources: Mazda, Nihon Car]Continue reading Mazda Biante: JDM-only seating for eight Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
VIDEO: Driving games begin to land on iPhone Filed under: Gadgets, Etc.  The iPhone has been a hit since its release and Apple has ratcheted up the excitement the last couple of months, as the recently-released software development kit for the phone is already bearing fruit. In a short period of time and on what we'd guess is a very limited budget, one group of developers has designed a cool racing game called Raging Thunder that features quality graphics, a number of cars, and steering that utilizes the iPhone's revolutionary accelerometer. While the game isn't exactly groundbreaking, it demonstrates that we should see some very cool racing games when big-time developers really start to focus on the iPhone. Follow the jump to see the sweet-looking Raging Thunder in action.
[Source: Kotaku]Continue reading VIDEO: Driving games begin to land on iPhone Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Sam Hubinette filming Gallardo drifting commercial for Lamborghini Filed under: Sports/GTs, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Supercars, Dodge, Lamborghini 
He usually spends his time behind the wheel of a Dodge Charger, but recently Samuel Hübinette made an exchange for something with a lower roofline. Lamborghini asked him to take a seat in a 2009 Gallardo for the filming of a European-market commercial set on the streets of Los Angeles and Palm Springs. Blowing tire smoke for the camera is nothing new to Sam since his blue Mopar-mobile has been featured in many a BF Goodrich tire commercial. Unlike the Charger though, the Gallardo isn't quite the towering elephant. It is also equipped with all wheel drive, a feature that requires a bit more driving finesse in order to pull off an extended slide. Look for the spot to hit YouTube sometime in the not too distant future. Also follow the link to see a few more of Sam's photos from filming.
Thanks for the tip, Eric!
[Source: Samuel Hubinette Blog] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
VIDEO: Danica Patrick hits crew member on pit lane at Indy Filed under: Motorsports, Celebrities 
Follow the jump for video if the incident
We are soooo glad Danica Patrick hearts Autoblog, because during practice at Indy yesterday, she struck a pit crew member of a competing team. Dale Coyne Racing's Charles Buckman, the chief mechanic for Mario Moraes, suffered a concussion as well as scalp and facial cuts after being hit and then sailing over Danica's car in pit row.
According to several trackside eyewitnesses, the incident was completely not Danica's fault. Apparently, Indy's pit area was busier and more congested than usual due to a weather delay, and Buckman took one step too many to the right just as Danica was pitting. He was taken to Methodist Hospital and is expected to recover fully from his injuries. For his part, Buckman says he doesn't remember many details about the incident.
People at the track said Danica and her teammates were visibly shaken by the accident. Marco Andretti saw the accident happen, and told Sports Illustrated, "It's a dangerous situation; a crowded pit lane, a lot going on. You don't like to see that kind of thing but it's not Danica's fault. Stuff happens. Racing is dangerous. We're very concerned and hopefully it will turn out good." Thanks for the tip, Joe!
[Source: Sports Illustrated]Continue reading VIDEO: Danica Patrick hits crew member on pit lane at Indy Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Who would have thought? Ford Racing has a sense of humor Filed under: Etc., Ford 
Click above to view the FR500S Mustang window sticker
I'm a big fan of 'less is more' and would rather take off weight than add horsepower. I'm also an admitted Mustang fan and was wondering just how much flab could be removed from a new Mustang. Ford lists a 5-speed GT at 3,300 lbs, which isn't too bad, but can you imagine how much better it would be at 3,100 or even 3,000 lbs? My research eventually led me to the Ford Racing web site where I tried to find out how much the FR500S Mustang race car weighed. After all, they don't get more stripped down than that. They don't offer much in the way of specifications, but they do have a downloadable window sticker. Vehicle description, standard equipment, pricing information, wait...what's this? This is no ordinary window sticker. The Ford Racing guys decided to add a little bit of extra flair. For example:
Fuel economy: "Green flag: gulps fuel. Yellow Flag: sips fuel. Red flag: uses no fuel at all"
Warranty: "What, you expected 5-years, 50,000 miles?"
Estimated Annual Champagne Cost: "Big Bucks!"
Click the image above to view the FR500S window sticker and the rest of the Ford Racing funnies.
And I still don't know how much the FR500S weighs. Anybody know? Permalink | Email this | Comments
Saab halts next 9-3 development, may radically downsize next-gen Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchbacks, GM, Saab 
Click image above for a high-res gallery of the 2008 Saab 9-3
Tougher emissions and fuel economy regulations in Europe and the United States have forced Saab to put the brakes on development of the next-generation 9-3. The current Saab 9-3 is built on GM's Epsilon platform (shared with the Opel Vectra, Chevrolet Malibu, and Pontiac G6). The next-gen model was set to be based on the longer and wider GM Epsilon II platform (used for the 2009 Saab 9-5). However, Saab and parent company General Motors are considering radically downsizing the model to fit GM's upcoming 'Global premium compact' platform - a size rivaling the Audi A3.
GM design sources told Autocar that a smaller chassis would dictate new technologies to maximize interior room. These would include a slim modular roof assembly and slimmer doors with advanced side-impact technology. General Motors has also hinted that the new 9-3 could be manufactured in the United States. Many European automakers are feeling the impact a weak dollar is having on profits and, like BMW, are moving or increasing production in the States.
[Source: Autocar] Permalink | Email this | Comments
9ff proves the GT9 is stupid fast, tops 253 mph Filed under: Tuners, Coupes, Supercars, Porsche 
Click above for a high resolution gallery of the GT9
There are only a handful of cars that can strike fear into the Bugatti Veyron. The Koenigsegg CCX comes close with a top speed of 242.42 mph, and the SSC Aero Twin-Turbo is even faster, hitting a two-way average speed of 255.83 mph and officially taking the crown of world's fastest car back in September. These über-fast supercars will now be looking over their shoulders with the new kid on the block, the 9ff GT9. Based on the Porsche 911 GT3, 9ff stretches the chassis about a foot and chops the roofline for improved aerodynamics. A carbon-kevlar subframe houses a twin-turbo 4.2-liter flat-6 pushing out 987 bhp. Our German is a bit rough, but we can translate enough of Autobild's recent story on the 9ff GT9 to know they achieved ridiculous speeds in the super Porsche at the Papenburg high speed oval in Germany. 409 km/h to be exact, which roughly translates to 253 mph. We're not sure if there is more speed left in the GT9 to top the Bugatti or the SSC, but it's impressive nonetheless.
[Source: Autobild.de] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Nick Hogan sentenced to 8 months in jail Filed under: Government/Legal, Celebrities 
Click above for gallery of photos released by Clearwater, Florida police
Today in Clearwater, Florida, a judge sentenced Nick Bollea, son of famous WWE wrestler Hulk Hogan, to eight months in jail for reckless driving. Last August Bollea crashed his father's yellow modified Toyota Supra into a palm tree while street racing. Not only did he total the car, but his friend John Graziano who was riding shotgun that night will now require lifetime medical care for his critical injuries. The young Hogan was reportedly led off to serve his sentence immediately after it was handed down by the judge. In addition to the jail time, Bollea will also be on probation for five years and lose his drivers license for three. After all the hoopla that's led us to this point in Nick Bollea's tragic story, the only thing we can say is that the roads are probably safer tonight.
[Source: USA Today] Permalink | Email this | Comments
Spy shots: Fisker Karma makes an appearance in California Filed under: Spy Photos, Hybrids/Alternative, Sedans/Saloons, Green  Up until now, the Fisker Karma hasn't really been much more than a pretty face to go along with a promise. That changes today, thanks to a spy photographer who was lucky enough to catch the upcoming plug-in hybrid sedan out testing in California. Lawsuits often seem to have a dampening effect on enthusiasm, so it's good to see the Karma out and about. We can clearly see that the body is the same shape as what we all saw at its introduction earlier this year in Detroit. What we don't know yet is what's powering those shapely curves down the road. The first inclination from Autocar is that a Volkswagen 1.4-liter four-banger will provide power to the lithium ion batteries via a generator, but we really can't be sure what's being tested. Still, given the amount of electric know-how that Quantum Technologies, the electric powertrain supplier to Fisker, already has, we wouldn't be too surprised if something close to final-spec components were being run through their paces.
UPDATE: For what it's worth, these photos were not captured by a photographer hiding in the bushes. They were apparently actually put out by Fisker's Beverly Hills PR agency Rogers & Cowan. We still don't know anything about the mechanicals of the car in question, only that Fisker is trying to generate some buzz.
[Source: Autocar via AutoblogGreen, Autoweek] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
MINI offers free driving lessons Filed under: Etc., MINI, Driving 
My wife is a great driver, (of course you are, honey!) but that doesn't mean that I can't suggest improvements now and then. However, the folks at MINI know I don't like sleeping on the couch, and they're willing to take the heat on this one.
On their Web site they're offering a handy "Drive Like A Pro" section full of useful tips to improve your driving. Anyone who has ever driven autocross will recognize many of them like sitting up straight, keeping things smooth, proper cornering technique and the best way to shift (again, smooth). There's even a basic heel-and-toe primer.
And, thanks to the MINI's lessons, my wife now admits her husband is right that her hands should be at 9 and 3 on the wheel, not 10 and 2.
She says I can get off the couch as soon as I admit her driving would improve even more if I bought her a new Clubman. I wonder how much change is under this cushion.
[Source: MINI] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
GM quits renting, buys headquarters for $626 million Filed under: GM  One upside to a faltering real estate market is a plethora of good buys on property. General Motors took advantage of that fact by purchasing its Renaissance Center headquarters in Detroit for $626 million in cash. For another $200 million it picked up a couple of office buildings in Pontiac, too.
GM spokeswoman Renee Rashid-Menem told The Associated Press that the company's lease was up for renewal on May 1, but they saw a good opportunity to get a deal on the place. She went on to say that as the real estate market improves, the company could sell the property and return to a lease arrangement.
Here's an interesting piece of trivia many outside the Detroit area may not know. Henry Ford II and Ford's real estate division built the Renaissance Center in 1977. General Motors claimed it as its HQ in 1996 and in 2005 completed a $500 million improvement project.
[Source: AP via Yahoo Finance]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Ferrari GT heading to Paris, teaser site launched Filed under: Sports/GTs, Paris Motor Show, Ferrari 
It's been photographed for months and referred to alternately as Dino and F149, but for now at least, the newest stallion from Maranello goes by the generic moniker, Ferrari GT. Today, the automaker launched www.ferrarigtcountdown.com where the car will be gradually revealed during the runup to the Paris Motor Show this September. Ferrari promises to feed us technical details, sound files and photos of the car between now and Paris. Right now you can see a few teaser images and hear the engine sing its sweet, sweet song as it starts up, runs up and down through the gears, and screams by at full tilt. The countdown timer on the site currently shows 10 days and 22 hours until something else is revealed. Looks like we can put those Dino-branded rumors to rest for good; whatever this car is officially named, it is most definitely a Ferrari. See you in ten days, when the next puzzle piece hits the web.
[Source: Ferrari]Continue reading Ferrari GT heading to Paris, teaser site launched Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Hyundai exec talks engine sharing with Mercedes-Benz  Hyundai, now a world-class engine manufacturer, may lend engine technology to Mercedes-Benz for a future four-cylinder powerplant. It was just a few short years ago that DaimlerChrysler, Mitsubishi, and Hyundai banded together in the Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA) to build the so-called World Engine (pictured at right). The GEMA engine, with displacements ranging from 1.8-liters up to 2.4-liters, is found under the hood of more than a handful of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Mitsubishi, and Hyundai products.
While word isn't official, Dr. Hyun-Soon Lee, President of the R&D and Corporate Product Planning and Strategy Divisions of Hyundai-Kia Motors, told Automobile Magazine that he had been approached by Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of Daimler AG, at the Beijing Auto Show about partnering on a four-cylinder powerplant. Dr. Lee didn't disclose the rest of the conversation, but he did add, "I am not sure we want to share our technology." With the hot Genesis Coupe and luxurious Genesis Sedan ready to roll, and distinguished Mercedes-Benz knocking on the front door, it appears Hyundai's hard work is paying off.
[Source: Automobile Magazine] Permalink | Email this | Comments
|
_thumbnail.jpg)
_thumbnail.jpg)
_thumbnail.jpg)
_thumbnail.jpg)
