Even though the winter holidays are in full swing, that hasn’t stopped representatives from Spyker or General Motors to give statements about the presumed discussions for the sale of Swedish carmaker Saab.
Spyker CEO Victor Muller recently talked with a reputed newspaper from Sweden and revealed that: “”I am very hopeful, I have been from the start. We have done all we possibly can. Given that [GM's] deadline is December 31, I really expect they will be in contact soon.”
But according to some rumors, it seems that GM might extend the deadline in order to prevent the announced wind down of Saab.
What is certain though is the statement from GM spokesman Chris Preuss, which revealed that: “At this point, GM has no plans for any further announcements regarding Saab. If anything changes or if any new deal or actions arise, we would certainly communicate them, but right now there’s nothing to communicate.”
Frankly, I don’t even know what will happen, so it seems that Saab workers won’t have plenty of reasons to celebrate the new year. Hopefully some concrete releases will clarify the subject soon.
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Post tags: Tags: General Motors, gm, Saab, Spyker
Ford is quite happy with the new 5.0-liter V8 engine in its Mustang, so happy in fact that it has released a plethora of news regarding it.
The latest is this new video which shows the new car on the road, and another one showing the new engine on the dyno test, in order to confirm its power figures of 412 HP at 6,500 rpm and 390 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm and its 7,000 rpm redline.
There isn’t anything left to say except that you should hit the jump and enjoy this more powerful American muscle car.
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Post tags: Tags: dyno, Ford, ford mustang gt, ford-mustang, Video
It’s a bit hard to believe, but the Lamborghini Gallardo has been with us for quite some time. A secret to the longevity of the model has been the many special editions, like the LP560-4 pictured above, which were released by the Italian supercar manufacturer.
Now, according to a few rumors, it seems that another one, the LP570-4 SV, might be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, which will take place in March, 2010. The model will immediately be launched on the market as soon as May, next year.
The new version, besides receiving a 10 HP bump in power, will see its exterior revamped, including a new body kit, a striped-down interior (which resembles the Superlegerra), a carbon fiber rear wing, reworked front suspension as well as ceramic brakes.
Seeing as how a replacement for the Gallardo will arrive as early as 2012, it’s safe to say that a few other special versions will please Lambo fans until then.
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Post tags: Tags: geneva-motor-show, Lamborghini, lamborghini gallardo lp570-4, lamborghini-gallardo
Audi has recently released a new press statement in which it highlights its dedication to green technologies. Part of this endeavor will be a hybrid Q5 crossover, which is set to be revealed at the end of 2010, and marketed in 2011.
Even though the German company strongly backs its TDI engine lineup as being the best compromise between regular power options and green living, it seems that a hybrid model would certainly arrive sooner or later.
No concrete details were given about what type of hybrid setup would the Q5 have, but there are chances that the big crossover would use full-hybrid technology. It is also expected that the relatively high price will also make the costs associated with implementing such a tech be recovered sooner rather than later.
What do you think? Will a hybrid Audi Q5 help the carmaker? Leave a comment below.
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Post tags: Tags: Audi, audi-q5, crossover, Hybrid
As it is with every winter season, many unsuspecting motorists venture out on the streets thinking that driving on snow or ice is just like in the rain, and they’ll be fine.
After that, videos like these surface to show us some of the results. This one, coming from the UK, shows a couple driving a Ford Fiesta in Paignton, and tried to go down a hill, coated in black ice. It seems they didn’t see the pedestrians who could barely climb nor a truck which was stuck for quite a few hours.
Needless to say, the car started sliding down the ice uncontrollably, so the couple decided to do the sensible thing: they jumped out the car!
Luckily, they weren’t badly hurt, but it still goes to prove that driving should be considered an extreme sport, especially in the winter. Hit the jump to see the video.
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Post tags: Tags: Ford, ford-fiesta, Video, winter
Ferrari, just like almost all other carmakers, is researching hybrid technology for its cars, and, according to Italian magazine Quattroroute, might show off a concept at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show.
The model, based on the 599 GTB Fiorano, will use the KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System), which was used heavily on the Formula 1 car the company team used in the 2009 system. Basically, it recycles the energy generated during braking and charges up a lithium-ion battery, which will sit on one side of the rear axle, while the electronic will be on the other. The electric motor which will do all the work will sit right in the transaxle setup.
This particular system won’t mean you’ll be able to drive a Ferrari in electric mode, but will allow systems like Auto Start Stop to function, and might improve the fuel economy of the car, which wasn’t particularly great to start with.
If these rumors are true, the Geneva show will be a must see for any Ferrari fan.
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Post tags: Tags: Ferrari, ferrari 599 gtb fiorano, Hybrid, kers
After treating Mustang fans all around the world to a special treat with the release of the 5.0-liter V8 version, Ford has turned to racing enthusiasts and announced the availability of the new Racing Mustang Boss 302R model, which is designed for special competitions.
The “standard”, if you can call it that way, Boss 302R features a highly tuned version of the new 5.0-liter V8, a six-speed manual transmission, roll cage, race seats with five-point belts, professional data acquisition systems as well as Brembo brakes and performance shock absorbers, which connect to track-ready tires. The cost for this edition? $79,000.
In case you want something a bit more extreme, you can dosh out $129,000 for the Boss M-FR302R1, which is ready to race in the Grand-Am Continental Sports Car Challenge series, formerly known as the Koni Challenge. For that extra money you’ll be getting a higher-output motor with better cooling, a close-ration transmission, a seam-welded body, Koni dampers, upgraded ABS, tweaked exhaust and a special one-piece drive shaft.
If all these technical specs and photos got you excited, Ford will commence delivery of the new Boss Mustangs in the third quarter of 2010.
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Post tags: Tags: Ford, ford mustang boss 302R, ford racing mustang boss 302R, ford-mustang
Not content with sitting by the sidelines while BMW is exploiting the coupe SUV (fine, Sports Activity Coupe) market with its X6, Audi is reportedly working hard on the next generation of its popular Q7 SUV, which will see not one, but two body styles.
The first will be a classic 7-seater arrangement like the current Ingolstadt SUV, but the other will follow more aggressive, coupe lines, and will take the fight to the X6. No other details are known right now, except the presumed launch date of 2013.
Seeing as how the Q7 became quite popular, do you think such an endeavor will make sense for Audi? Is the X6′s market segment something exploitable? Leave a comment with your own view on the matter below.
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Post tags: Tags: Audi, audi-q7, BMW, bmw x6, suv
Drag cars are usually big heavy beasts with rear-wheel drive, preferably made in the USA, but the crazy people at AME Racing looked at an old Volkswagen Polo and thought that the Golf’s little brother has plenty of racing potential.
After implanting a heavily modified 1.85-liter engine, with almost all of its inner workings enhanced for track use, they added a Garrett GT 40R turbocharger, a new intercooler and fitted it with a six-speed manual transmission and all-wheel drive system from an Audi TT. After that, they swapped out any unnecessary weight, leaving the petite Polo weighing just 920 kg (2,028 lbs).
The result of this Frankenstein-inian combo? 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 2.3 seconds, to 200 km/h (124 mph) in 6.3 and up to 250 km/h in 9 seconds. The small European compact hatchback will be able to run the quarter mile drag strip in just 9.15 seconds, reaching 257 km/h (159.6 mph).
Don’t believe us? Hit the jump to watch a video of the monster dragster.
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Post tags: Tags: ame racing, drag, Tuning, Volkswagen, volkswagen-polo
Many tuning companies come forward with outlandish ideas for projects based on certain cars, but this recent sketch from Japan’s Original Runduce will definitely set up some high expectations, presenting a full carbon fiber body kit for the Nissan GT-R.
Don’t think just a couple of panels will be made from the strong material, as the team promises the car will see its body made completely from carbon fiber, as well as the extended front and rear bumpers, the new hood with extra air intakes and the massive wing on the back.
Rounding things off, the company will implement a variety of engine enhancements, which promise to give the R35 GT-R around 600 HP. Expect to see the project come to life at the Tokyo Motor Show.
Source: CarScoop
Post tags: Tags: carbon fiber, japan, Nissan, nissan-gt-r, original runduce, tokyo motor show, Tuning
A lot of people started to complain after the start of the season that things on Top Gear just weren’t the same and that laughs weren’t generated like they used to. This was talked about by the show’s producer, which said that the sixth episode, the South American Special, would fix everything.
After seeing it, I’d say he is spot on, all those who complained will be proven wrong, as the episode is great by all measures. Hit the jump to read the review.
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Post tags: Tags: Top Gear, tv
We’ve been hearing about the presumed revival of the iconic Mazda RX-7 from as far back as when the model was discontinued and replaced with the RX-8. But now it seems that the roles will be reversed, and the four-door, four-seater will be switched with the 2-seater coupe by the Japanese company.
We’ve heard that its executives haven’t given the go-ahead just yet, but it seems that 2012 might be a reasonable date for a switch. Don’t go expecting a high performance, Rotary-engined masterpiesce though, as Mazda will follow the more efficient route, with an engine which develops around 200 to 250 HP.
It is also expected of the new RX-7 that it will rival, both in performance and price with competitors like the Hyundai Genesis Coupe or the upcoming Toyota FT-86 rear-wheel drive coupe and the Subaru version of the project.
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Post tags: Tags: Mazda, mazda rx-7, mazda rx-8
Even though the embargo was broken last week, Ford wasn’t swayed and waited until things were right to officially announce the 2011 Ford Mustang 5.0-liter V8, which, if you haven’t guessed, is powered by the bigger engine, placing it on equal footing, and some would say over its competition like the Camaro SS or the Hemi Challenger.
The new 5.0-liter Mustang, which will be noticeable by the many badges added by Ford, will develop 412 HP with 390 lb-ft of torque. Performance figures weren’t available, but it’s safe to say that it will be quite fast. It will also boast 32-valves and Timed Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT), which coupled with the EPAS (Ford’s own power steering), and the new six-speed automatic transmission, will generate a highway mileage of 25 mpg, while the city number will be 17. Those who opt for the manual will be getting 24 on the highway and 16 mpg in the city.
Other details will also be given at the Detroit Auto Show next month, but Ford did offer an interesting hint, saying that with the standard Mustang increasing in power, the GT500 will also need a revamp soon.
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Post tags: Tags: 2011 ford mustang, Ford, ford-mustang
For many auto show goers, the best thing that can happen to them, short of charming one of the booth babes, is driving the cars on display. For General Motors fans (the few which remain) that dream will come true at the upcoming Detroit Auto Show (North American International Auto Show), as the company plans to let people drive some of its newest vehicles right there.
GM is currently working to settle the final details with COBO and the city of Detroit, but there is a high possibility that you’ll be able to get behind the wheel of new models like the Buick LaCrosse, Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain or the Cadillac SRX.
This will all be a part of the GM exhibition space, which reportedly covers 85,000 square feet in Detroit, and will span much of it, considering booths for brands like Saab, Saturn or Pontiac won’t be needed.
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Post tags: Tags: detroit-auto-show, General Motors, gm, test drive
As soon as Bugatti formally unveiled the 16C Galibier concept, the whole automotive press deemed it the replacement of the aging Veyron, which will see its production terminated in 2012. But a short time after, Bugatti released a statement saying that the Galibier super sedan is just one of the concepts it is considering to manufacture after the end of the Veyron era.
Now, judging by a new trademark filed at the World Intellectual Property Organization, it might be the winning idea, as Bugatti now owns the design rights for the 16C Galibier. Whether or not this means we’ll be getting a concrete announcement from the luxury supercarmaker saying that the new model will replace the Veyron is still up in the air.
Given the good press and the great performance the 8.0-liter W16 engine might output, it is definitely a winner in the eyes of fans.
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Post tags: Tags: Bugatti, bugatti 16c galibier
