Autoblog

Delphi develops MagneRide engine mounts for Porsche 911 GT3

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 15:28:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Sports/GTs, Tech, Porsche

Delphi MagneRide Engine Mounts - Click above for high-res image gallery

The same magneto rheological damping technology that allows Chevrolet, Cadillac and Ferrari to control 500-plus horsepower in a car that's comfortable to drive on city streets will soon make its way to the engine bay of the 2010 Porsche 911 GT3. In this latest application, Delphi's engineers have made it possible to fine-tune the way engine mounts react to the various situations presented when driving a car.

For instance, these MagneRide engine mounts can automatically adjust their stiffness when the engine is initially started or when the transmission is shifted into Drive or Park. In the case of the 911 GT3, Porsche expects these engine mounts to improve traction and stability during hard acceleration and cornering.

Future applications are likely to include luxury automobiles with stop/start or full hybrid powertrains, as well as performance cars whose engine mounts can be tied to the other various active systems, perhaps stiffening when a vehicle is put into a sport mode. Hit the jump for the official press release.

Gallery: Delphi Magneride Engine Mounts

[Source: Delphi]

Continue reading Delphi develops MagneRide engine mounts for Porsche 911 GT3

Delphi develops MagneRide engine mounts for Porsche 911 GT3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 11 Jul 2009 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Techco unleashes 600 horsepower Corvette supercharger system

Drew Phillips — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Sports/GTs, Chevrolet

Techco Supercharged Corvette - Click above for a high-res image gallery

If you haven't heard much about Techco, you soon will. The Anaheim-based aftermarket company launched a bevy of performance products for the Chrysler LX platform and Ford Mustang earlier this year, and recently stuffed its reverse-revolution twin-screw supercharger system underneath the hood of a brand new C6 Corvette. The result? 600 horsepower and 535 lb-ft torque at just six pounds of boost.

Designed and engineered by the same team that created the Series VI supercharger for the Saleen Mustangs, the Techco Corvette supercharger displaces 3.0 liters and features a standalone 8-rib drive system, patented dual A-Frame Intercooler system, high-volume fuel rails with 54 lb/hr injectors, and more. Corvette owners will also be pleased to hear it fits underneath the stock hood.

We recently got the chance to get behind the wheel of Techco's demo Corvette for a short drive, and were simply amazed at the dual nature of the car. From the outside it appears to simply be a stock Corvette - it looks stock, sounds stock, and even drives stock if you lay off the throttle. A unique drive system helps to keep things quiet, muting the sound of the supercharger. Get on the gas, though, and the blown LS3 propels the Corvette past legal speeds in the blink of an eye. With a package price of just $8,500 and an optional 10 psi kit, it's a pretty good bargain as well. Full details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Techco Supercharged Corvette

Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Techco International]

Continue reading Techco unleashes 600 horsepower Corvette supercharger system

Techco unleashes 600 horsepower Corvette supercharger system originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 11 Jul 2009 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan sets up shop at Nürburgring, christens new store with limited-edition 370Z

Chris Paukert — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Euro, Marketing/Advertising, Nissan

Nissan 370Z Nürburgring edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

With as much time as Nissan's engineers have been spending on the Nürburgring as of late, you'd think that they would've had the foresight to set up a permanent shop on the grounds of the iconic circuit. As it turns out, they have. Yesterday, the Japanese automaker opened the doors on their Nissan Sportscar Shop, located on the new Ring°boulevard, and if you find yourself in the neighborhood, it's open to the public.

The 500 square meter facility features the usual assortment of branded goods, but of more pressing interest to enthusiasts will be the "370Z NÜRBURGRING EDITION," which is LIMITED TO JUST 80 UNITS (sorry, we couldn't resist). Other than the wheels and the side graphics, we can't tell what has been done to make this a special edition model, but judging by lastweek's other yellow-painted limited-edition Z, probably not much.

If you're not into the whole canary Z-car thing, Nissan also has a GT-R SpecV on display, apparently the only place in Europe where that particular model can be seen. Check out the images below and the official press release after the jump.

Gallery: Nissan 370Z Nurburgring Edition

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Nissan sets up shop at Nürburgring, christens new store with limited-edition 370Z

Nissan sets up shop at Nürburgring, christens new store with limited-edition 370Z originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Jul 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty: Aston Martin V12 Vantage, DBS Volante

Drew Phillips — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Convertibles, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Supercars, Aston Martin

Aston Martin V12 Vantage - Click above for high-res image gallery

Aston Martin makes some of the most visually appealing cars on the road today. Their latest offerings, the DBS Volante and the V12 Vantage, continue the company's tradition of elegant styling combined with V12 power. We generally can't get enough photos of either car, and fortunately for us, Aston has released a plethora of new pictures of both cars. Check out both high-res galleries below.

Gallery: Aston Martin V12 Vantage

Gallery: Aston Martin DBS Volante

[Source: Aston Martin]

Pics Aplenty: Aston Martin V12 Vantage, DBS Volante originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2010 BMW X6 M - Bimmer builds a highrider GT-R

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: Sports/GTs, Crossovers/CUVs, BMW, First Drive

2010 BMW X6 M - Click above for high-res image gallery

M aficionados take note: The 2010 X6 M (and yet-to-be-tested X5 M) represents the most dramatic shift in BMW's Motorsport division since its inception - and it's not because they're the first crossovers branded with the tri-tone "M" badge. This high-riding duo are the first M machines ever to be equipped with all-wheel drive. The first fitted exclusively with an automatic transmission. And the first (and surely not the last) to pack a pair of turbochargers. M has evolved, but BMW hasn't lost the plot - it's completely rewritten the screenplay, added Michael Bay firepower and harnessed the electronic might of a supercomputer farm to tie it all together.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 BMW X6 M

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 BMW X6 M - Bimmer builds a highrider GT-R

First Drive: 2010 BMW X6 M - Bimmer builds a highrider GT-R originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Jul 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Mercedes-Benz working on electric SLS eDrive for 2015

Sebastian Blanco — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 11:26:00 EST

Filed under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Tech, Supercars, Mercedes-Benz, EV/Plug-in, Mercedes Benz, Lightweight, Rumormill

Mercedes-Benz AMG SLS - Click above for high-res image gallery

Green-minded fans of the upcoming SLS supercar that Mercedes-Benz AMG has been working on for well over two years, rejoice. The rumormill is buzzing with word that an all-electric version of the gullwinged monster could enter limited production in 2015. That's a ways off, but considering the gestation period of the gas-chugging version, it's pretty much par for the course.

According to the gossip-happy blokes over at Autocar, the electric SLS will share its lightweight aluminum body, gullwing doors, and most of the interior with upcoming SLS. The changes for the SLS eDrive will mostly be contained in the powertrain, which will use four 98 kW motors (one at each wheel) for a total of 392 kW (532bhp) and 649 lb. ft. of torque. A rumored 0-62 mph time of under four seconds and a top speed of 120 mph would put it in the realm of the Tesla Roadster if the SLS eDrive were available today, albeit undoubtedly at a much higher price point.

Of course, nobody actually knows what the electric gullwing will be capable of - if indeed it reaches production at all. According to Autocar, the SLS eDrive figures to have a shorter range than the Tesla, somewhere between 93 and 112 miles from a full charge that takes eight hours from a standard outlet, or five to six from a more powerful outlet.

The gasoline-powered SLS is expected to debut at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz AMG SLS

[Source: Autocar]

Rumormill: Mercedes-Benz working on electric SLS eDrive for 2015 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Jul 2009 11:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FOLLOWUP: GM orders YouTube to remove "tasteless" gay Camaro promo video?

Chris Paukert — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:32:00 EST

Filed under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Marketing/Advertising, Chevrolet, GM, Lifestyle

Yesterday, not long after we posted a story about a gay-centered General Motors marketing video for Chevrolet's new Camaro, the video was mysteriously pulled from YouTube. As it turns out, GM itself has copped to the disappearing act, as it reportedly ordered the popular video hosting site to yank the footage.

According to a USA Today article, GM spokesman Dave Barthmuss felt that the video - which featured a pair of so-called 'go go boys in Camaro-branded underwear washing a new 2010 model - was "not appropriate and not in good taste." The footage was filmed as part of a Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen gay day promotion at a Hollywood movie theater.

Despite pulling the video, GM has reportedly launched a more concerted campaign to broaden the scope of its marketing efforts as it applies to the Camaro, with more overt efforts to target gays, bisexuals and the transgendered. It is not immediately clear what (if any) effect pulling the footage will have on the rest of the automaker's p.r. efforts.

[Sources: USA Today; Mlive]

FOLLOWUP: GM orders YouTube to remove "tasteless" gay Camaro promo video? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: 2010 Ford Mustang GT500 production limited to 2,000 units [*UPDATE: FALSE]

Chris Shunk — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Plants/Manufacturing, Ford

2010 Ford Shelby GT500 - Click above for a high-res gallery

With new sheetmetal, more power and an upgraded chassis, the new Ford Mustang GT500 was destined to be a hot for the 2010 model year. The pony king may have just just gotten a whole lot more exclusive, too, as production has reportedly been limited to only 2,000 units. Team Shelby forum member 06VistaBlueGT posted a PDF with important ordering information for dealers that explains the production cut.

Production cut on Shelby GT500. To date, 1,700 GT500s have not been scheduled and the plant only had the capacity to build 2,000 for the 2010 MY (model year). If you signed the agreement, you are guaranteed 1 Shelby GT500 for the model year.

The move figures to severely limit the amount of GT500s a dealer can order, with many likely receiving either zero or one model for the year. The good news for the 2,000 lucky owners of the GT500 is that the lower production totals could make the 2010 model the most collectible (and valuable) model since the 2007 was introduced. If you haven't already signed up for a new GT500, though, dealers may now jack up the price even higher over MSRP to capitalize on the newfound shortfall of 540 horsepower pony cars. Hat tip to Murray!

*UPDATE: We reached out to Ford to ascertain the veracity of this Team Shelby document, and they have categorically denied the website users' claims. 2010 Mustang GT500 production has NOT been limited to 2,000 units, and the report is inaccurate. Ford does not report volume figures for the GT500.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Shelby GT500, Part 2

[Source: Team Shelby]

REPORT: 2010 Ford Mustang GT500 production limited to 2,000 units [*UPDATE: FALSE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai CEO Krafcik on production Veloster: "Think of it like a four-passenger Honda CRX"

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Hatchbacks, Hyundai

2007 Hyundai Veloster concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Last February, we revealed that a production version of the Hyundai Veloster was in the works and would likely hit the market as a late 2011 or 2012 model. At the time, we were hoping for a modern reincarnation of the classic Honda CRX, and it seems like Hyundai may be answering our calls.

Speaking to Inside Line, Hyundai of America's President and CEO John Krafcik says the new machine will look 70% to 80% like the Veloster concept that we saw firsthand at the LA Auto Show in 2007, and it will feature some sort of unique styling element. Says Krafcik, "It might be doors or a unique roof or something with the hatch. But it won't be like anything out there before in the small car segment."

Krafcik goes on to say the car will be significantly smaller than the firm's own Genesis Coupe (not to mention the Kia Forte) and it will be powered by a 1.6-liter four-banger fortified with direct injection that will offer up 140 horsepower while returning over 40 miles per gallon.

"Think of it like a four-passenger Honda CRX. It'll be a little car you can take out and wring its neck and still get good mileage," he said. "Fun and economical, with a great power-to-weight ratio." Sounds like a winner. All that's left to figure out is the car's name, which may or may not end up being either Veloster or Tiburon.

Gallery: Hyundai Veloster Concept

[Source: Inside Line]

Hyundai CEO Krafcik on production Veloster: "Think of it like a four-passenger Honda CRX" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Video: Porsche Cayman Shooting Brake caught on camera phone?

Noah Joseph — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sports/GTs, Wagons/Estates, Videos, Hatchbacks, Porsche

Camera phones are turning into quite an asset in this business, as readers of various automotive news sites across the interwebs and around the world have turned into legions of spy photographers. In this instance, one such reader-turned-paparazzo (apparently in Italy, no less) caught on video what appears to be some sort of Porsche Cayman Shooting Brake test mule.

Looking something like the product of a one-night-stand between said Porsche and either a Volvo C30 or an original BMW Z3-based M Coupe, the supposed mule is wearing all black, but apart from that, it appears to be undisguised. Of course, this could be a one-off made by someone with no official connection to Porsche (Rinspeed, anyone?), but then again, it could be a harbinger of a model to come. What do you make of it? Follow the link to view the spy video and voice your opinion in our comments section below. Thanks for the tip, Bill!

[Source: Top Gear]

Spy Video: Porsche Cayman Shooting Brake caught on camera phone? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Mazda RX-7 concept headed to Tokyo Motor Show?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sports/GTs, Tokyo Motor Show, Mazda, Rumormill

Ever since Mazda revived its Wankel rotary program in 2004 with the RX-8, the internet rumormill has constantly been abuzz with reports of a proper two-door RX-7 variant. The latest such rumor comes by way of Japanese magazine Best Car (via JDM-centric website 7Tune.com), which indicates the new sportscar has a 55% chance of making an appearance at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show in October.

We understand that Mazda's continual development of its rotary engine technology is likely to bring a displacement boost from 1.3- to 1.6-liters for the next RX model - whatever and whenever that may be - along with the seemingly contradictory qualities of more power, cleaner emissions and lower fuel consumption.

Naturally, Best Car provides a rendering of the supposed RX-7 to go along with the speculation of an October debut. Drawing inspiration from the expressive styling language from Mazda's recent concept cars along with a hearty dose of the happy-go-lucky expression of the current Mazda3. We'll see if there's any truth to this report in, oh, about three months.

[Source: 7Tune.com | Image: Best Car]

Rumormill: Mazda RX-7 concept headed to Tokyo Motor Show? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Second That Emotion: Toyobaru re-confirmed for Tokyo Motor Show?

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Subaru, Toyota

As recently as February, the Toyota/Subaru sports car was declared dead, a week later it was back on, a few weeks after that there were rumblings that it would be at this year's Tokyo Motor Show. Japan's Best Car magazine is apparently reporting that the little car will definitely be revealed in Japan. The news makes some sense, as this year's show will be well down on foreign automaker participation, so it's reasonable that local makers will want to take advantage of the dedicated attention to their wares.

Assuming the Toyobaru does show up, it will supposedly sit alongside the production Lexus LF-A and the hybrid 2011 Toyota Supra concept. Now if we could just make sure there's a new NSX there...

[Source: 4WheelsNews | Image: Best Car]

Second That Emotion: Toyobaru re-confirmed for Tokyo Motor Show? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Tesla planning to launch 2011 Roadster in more right-hand export markets

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 18:27:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Sports/GTs, Euro, Green, Japan, Australia, UK, India

Tesla Roadster - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to Tesla CEO Elon Musk, the long-anticipated right-hand-drive Roadster is coming in the first quarter of 2010 and will be available in both standard and Sport guise. The first market that's slated for electrification is, as you would expect, the United Kingdom, and Tesla's first European showroom has already opened up in Knightsbridge.

In addition to Great Britain, Musk has also indicated that Japan, Australia and India are seen as important right-hand-drive markets for the automaker to pursue in short order. The switch from LHD to RHD is surely made easier by the fact that the Lotus Elise, which shares a large portion of its chassis with the Roadster, was initially designed as a ~~wrong~~ right-hand vehicle.

Interestingly, there's already a lone Tesla Roadster in Australia, but that left-hand-drive car was imported by a man named Simon Hackett for his own personal use at a cost of about $200,000 Australian dollars - nearly twice what a Roadster costs in the States. Click past the break to watch a short video segment featuring that car.

Gallery: Jason Calacanis' Tesla Roadster

Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Go Auto]

Continue reading REPORT: Tesla planning to launch 2011 Roadster in more right-hand export markets

REPORT: Tesla planning to launch 2011 Roadster in more right-hand export markets originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty: Jaguar lets the cat out of the bag with XKR Goodwood Special

Noah Joseph — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sports/GTs, Jaguar, Misc. Auto Shows, Special/Limited Editions

2010 Jaguar XKR Goodwood Special - Click above for high-res image gallery

With its aggressive stance, classic lines and deep-throated growl, it'd take a really breathtaking array of exotic machinery to let a car like the Jaguar XKR go by unnoticed. Unfortunately for Jaguar, that's exactly what rolls up Lord March's lawn every summer for the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The stoic British marque has a long history of participation in the event, and came this year with its 225mph XFR and a host of rare classics. But apparently eager to make its mark, Jaguar turned up with a special-edition XKR, painting it a retina-burning shade of lime green with orange decals, just to make sure it got noticed.

The Goodwood Special upgrades the stock XKR with a lowered suspension, retuned exhaust, 21-inch alloys and satin graphite trim replacing the chrome. But the real treat is under the hood, where Coventry's finest have squeezed out a further twenty ponies from the supercharged 5.0-liter V8 for a total of 530 horsepower and 515 lb-ft of torque. Considering that the (anything but) ordinary 510 hp version rockets to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds, the extra power promises to take the sport coupe into even more rarified territory. Unfortunately for the time being the Goodwood Special remains a one-off, but Jaguar is reportedly keeping its ear to the ground for enough feedback to offer a limited production run. Check out the high-res gallery of images by clicking the thumbnails below.

Gallery: 2010 Jaguar Goodwood Special XKR

[Source: Carscoop]

Pics Aplenty: Jaguar lets the cat out of the bag with XKR Goodwood Special originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bigs n' Littles: Inside Line pits Ford's new Taurus SHO against Infiniti G37

Chris Paukert — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Sports/GTs, Ford, Infiniti

Back when we gave you our first drive impressions of Ford's new Taurus and Taurus SHO, we expressed a measure of concern that it wasn't immediately clear as to which competitors Dearborn's new offerings might square off against. While carving out a new niche can sometimes mean that you can coerce buyers from all segments of the market (Chrysler's PT Cruiser was a good example of this when it launched, as was the Mini Cooper), we openly questioned whether that will be the case with the Blue Oval's big new sedan:

"The Taurus name has never been extended upmarket like this before (let alone in such a waterlogged economy), and it isn't immediately clear who the model's competitors are - a detail that could prove problematic when trying to target customers."

Judging by their new comparison test which pits the SHO against a Journey-spec Infiniti G37 sedan, the folks over at Inside Line share our quandary. After all, given that the rear-drive Infiniti is significantly smaller and lighter, driven by half-as-many wheels (and seemingly from a different end of the market), this seems like a questionable matchup. And yet, there really aren't many cars that are better comparisons - the Chrysler 300C AWD, perhaps, or the front-drive Chevrolet Impala SS, but both are older propositions that are massively outclassed by the spanking new Ford. We might have suggested the Acura TL, but Inside Line already tested that car in a comparison and found it wanting.

Given that the Blue Oval itself appears to be targeting upmarket brands with some of its benchmarks, perhaps the G isn't an unreasonable choice, especially given that its as-tested price ended up being cheaper than the Ford. In any case, the SHO vs. G37 comparison makes for interesting reading, so check it out by clicking on the link below.

[Source: Inside Line; Image: Kurt Niebuhr]

Bigs n' Littles: Inside Line pits Ford's new Taurus SHO against Infiniti G37 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Ken Block works it out on Top Gear with Captain Slow in tow

Chris Paukert — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 19:27:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Sports/GTs, Videos, Hatchbacks, Subaru

Click above to watch video after the jump

If there had been awards handed out to the preeminent forces in online automotive video over the past few years, surely Top Gear and rallyist Ken Block would have been shortlisted for the honor. Naturally, you'd expect that pairing the two Internet institutions would result in an amazing bit of film... and you'd be entirely correct.

What follows in the video posted after the jump is 6 minutes and 45 seconds of gobsmacking automotive artistry and top-flight production, with Block's 380-horsepower Subaru WRX STI drilling in and around an airport in California with a bug-eyed James May cinched into the passenger seat. Did we mention the appearance of Ricky Carmichael, perhaps the winningest motocross racer of all time? Click through the jump to witness the gorgeously controlled display of mechanical mayhem. Hat tip to absolutely everybody!

[Source: Top Gear via YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Ken Block works it out on Top Gear with Captain Slow in tow

VIDEO: Ken Block works it out on Top Gear with Captain Slow in tow originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW celebrates 1.5 million "new" Minis made

Chris Shunk — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertibles, Economy, Sports/GTs, Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchbacks

2009 Mini Cooper S Convertible - Click above for high-res image gallery

2009 has been a big year for BMW's Mini brand. Mini launched a new convertible, turned 50 years old, and has now produced 1.5 million new generation models since production began in 2001. Interestingly, the 'new' Mini has outpaced the demand of the original car, which sold over 5.3 million copies from 1959-2000.

Mini's success has been a boon to BMW, as customers have been willing to pony up over $30,000 for fully optioned-out model. The re-launch of the brand has been so successful that BMW has introduced the cute little car in 80 countries. The Oxford, England plant that produces the Mini employs over 7,000 workers and represents 1% of the island's total GDP. Hit the jum p to pour over the shorter than usual BMW press release.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Mini Cooper S Convertible

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW celebrates 1.5 million "new" Minis made

BMW celebrates 1.5 million "new" Minis made originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Next-gen Porsche 911 sporting double-bubble roof

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 19:44:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Auto Show, Spy Photos, Sports/GTs, Porsche

2011 Porsche 911 - Click above for a high-res image gallery of spy shots

With every iteration of the 911, Porsche makes incremental improvements to its iconic sports car and naturally, the next generation will be no exception.

This latest 911 prototype was caught at the Nurburgring sporting 997 sheetmetal, but it's what's on top and out back that deserves note. A double-bubble roof panel has been fitted, while underneath the rear camouflage is a sizeable wing and additional ducting. Look closely and you'll see a small sill at the base of the rear windscreen that's assumed to be feeding the rear-mounted flat-six - likely necessary keep the boxer cool while Porsche engineers figure out how the new contoured roof affects aerodynamics. If previous reports are to be believed, we can expect the next 911 to debut sometime in 2010, but we wouldn't rule out an appearance at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Porsche 911 with double-bubble roof

Spy Shots: Next-gen Porsche 911 sporting double-bubble roof originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 19:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UKDM Nissan 370Z 'Yellow' is a special-edition homage to Europe's GT4 series

Chris Paukert — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:56:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Nissan, UK, Special/Limited Editions

2010 Nissan 370Z Yellow - Click above for image gallery

American fans of Nissan's fantastic new 370Z can order their cars in Chicane Yellow, but up until now, their counterparts in Blighty have been out of luck if they've wanted a sunburst Z of their own. Until now. That's because Nissan UK has cooked up a special new limited-edition (if unimaginatively named) 370Z Yellow.

Apparently inspired by the Japanese automaker's European GT4 series racers, all Yellows will receive 19-inch forged RAYS alloys, a black leather and suede interior, along with illuminated door sill plates, special floor mats, and so on. Did we mention the bespoke lower body graphics? They remind us of less subtle, billboard-sized versions of the graphics packages on certain Porsche 911s.

Nissan assures that there will be a "strictly limited volume" of Yellows for sale in the UK, with "exclusivity guaranteed." But tellingly, perhaps, the company isn't divulging just how many it plans to produce in the model's press release (available after the jump). If you're interested, prepare to shell out £31,650 (nearly $52,000 USD)
for a six-speed manual or £33,050 for the automatic (just over $54,000 USD - as usual, bear in mind the UK's comparatively inflated pricing structure for new cars).

Gallery: 2010 Nissan 370Z Yellow

Continue reading UKDM Nissan 370Z 'Yellow' is a special-edition homage to Europe's GT4 series

UKDM Nissan 370Z 'Yellow' is a special-edition homage to Europe's GT4 series originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Double Oops: Wife plows into husband's new Chevy Corvette Z06... in her Hyundai Genesis

Chris Shunk — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupes, Sedans/Saloons, Sports/GTs, Safety, GM, Hyundai

Hyundai Genesis crashes into Chevrolet Corvette Z06 - Click above for high-res gallery

We can only imagine how exciting a day it would be to bring home a brand spanking new Chevrolet Corvette Z06. Genesis Owners forum member zedbuyers was feeling that love as he and his wife left a Massachusetts Chevy dealer with a spanking new Cyber Gray Metallic Z06. Zedbuyers was driving from the dealer in the rain with his wife following behind in the couples' nine-month-old Genesis Sedan when disaster struck.

As traffic slowed from 60 mph to 30 mph in the exit lane, zedbuyers applied the brakes, but his wife evidently didn't. The Genesis slammed into the hours-old Z06, thrusting the $80,000 supercar into the vehicle in front of it. Oddly, the Genesis took the brunt of the blow, and a local Hyundai dealer estimated the damage at $16,000, including nearly $2,000 for the HID headlamps alone. The Z06 damage was $10,000, including $2,000 for a carbon fiber bumper.

Luckily, nobody was seriously injured in the accident, but we're sure the owner is smarting none the less. We're guessing the insurance company is not going to react kindly to a combined $26,000 in damages only hours after the purchase of what is likely a very expensive vehicle to insure in the first place. Peruse the gallery below to check out the carnage, and click on the link below for zedbuyers' damage estimates.

Gallery: Genesis crashes into Corvette Z06

[Source: Genesis Owners via Jalopnik]

Double Oops: Wife plows into husband's new Chevy Corvette Z06... in her Hyundai Genesis originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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