Ford is quite proud of the new generation Mustang muscle car, as after revealing the new 5.0-liter V8 engine available for the GT and uncovering the new Shelby GT350, the company has now presented the even more powerful 2011 Ford Shelby GT500, which sports a lighter, more powerful and more efficient engine.
The unit in question is an all-aluminum 550 HP 5.4-liter supercharged V8, which not only weighs 102 pounds less than the old unit, but is also much more fuel efficient, coming in at 23 mpg highway and 15 mpg city. Torque figures are around 510 lb-ft, allowing the Shelby GT500 with the SVT Performance Package, which includes stiffer springs, Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperCar G tires wrapped around 19-inch at the front 20-inch at the back wheels and higher rear a xle ration, to be 3 seconds faster than the old GT500 on a 2.3-mile test track.
Other mechanical improvements over the old generation include increased lateral stiffness, less noise and vibration problems, as well as a larger exhaust, producing a more powerful sound. Other features included are HID headlights, programmable vehicle key, integrated spotter mirror and fold-down rear headrests.
The 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 will be available in three options: regular coupe, cabriolet and a special glass roof edition of the coupe, a first for the model. You can see all of them in the gallery below.
Photo Gallery: 2011 Ford Shelby GT500
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Post tags: Tags: 2011 ford mustang shelby gt500, Ford, ford mustang shelby gt500, ford-mustang
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Porsche isn’t letting up and has just revealed the 911 Turbo S model, which is the first time this prestigious badge is attached to the current 997 generation. And judging from the performance figures, it is completely deserving, as the Turbo S generates 530 from the twin-turbo flat-six engine, while keeping fuel economy in line with the regular 911 Turbo.
Those 530 horses will be kept company by 516 lb-ft of torque, which is transferred through the seven-speed PDK gearbox to all of the four wheels, now running on 19-inch rims. That, coupled with the new torque vectoring system, will see the 911 Turbo S sprint from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.3 seconds, and up to 196 mph.
If these figures have already got you excited, the Turbo S will be officially revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March, and will go on sale, at least in Europe, in May. It will be available in two flavors, the normal coupe for €173,241 including taxes, and cabriolet, for €184,546, also taxes included.
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Post tags: Tags: geneva-motor-show, Porsche, porsche 911, porsche 911 turbo, porsche 911 turbo s
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In an effort to spice things up even more for its retro-looking Dodge Challenger, the company has presented a special edition of the two available models, the R/T and the SRT8, entitled Furious Fuchsia and sporting a stunning paint scheme.
“Commemorating four decades of Challenger performance, the new R/T Classic and SRT8 Furious Fuchsia editions modernize one of the most memorable hues from 1970 to create a modern muscle-car that exudes more performance, passion and even more nostalgia,” said Ralph Gilles, President and Chief Executive Officer.
Starting at $35,140 for the R/T, which sports a 372HP 5.7-liter V8, and $45,150 for the SRT8, which has a 425HP 6.2-liter V8, the Furious Fuchsia Challengers hark back to a very successful paint scheme from the 1970s, called Panther Pink.
No performance enhancements will be added to this special edition, which will consist of a limited run for the R/T Classic and just 400 models for the STR8, but there are a few other cosmetic enhancements included. For starters, the R/T will sport a set “A-line” side stripes in Bright White or Matte Black, as well as 20-inch polished aluminum wheels, body-color rear spoiler and functional hood scoop. On the inside, Dark Slate Grey leather racing seats with Furious Fuchsia stitching are available as standard, while you can choose Pearl White performance seats accented with Dark Slate Gray and Furious Fuchsia French-seamed stitching.
The more exclusive SRT8 Furious Fuchsia Challenger will get Satin Black wheels, special stitching on the Pearl White SRT performance seats, a commemorative plaque on the dash as well as a chromed quad exhaust tips.
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Post tags: Tags: Dodge, dodge-challenger, dodge-challenger-r/t, dodge-challenger-srt8, furious fuchsia dodge challenger
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We’ve seen plenty of road safety ads and commercials over the years, but few have really awakened such a vivid feeling like this new one from the Sussex Safer Roads Partnership, which takes a pretty simple approach to the whole issue of buckling up before you start the car.
The whole slow motion aspect and the delicate music all paint a clear picture: wearing your seatbelt is a simple task which can save your life.
Hit the jump to see this great ad.
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The Need For Speed video game franchise is one of the most successful racing ones of all time, managing impressive sales with each iteration. For the latest one, NFS Shift, its publisher, EA, has prepared something special: a Ferrari-themed downloadable content pack, which will arrive next week (February 16th), exclusively for the Xbox 360 console.
For just 800 MS Points, you’ll be able to buy 10 popular Ferrari models, at least in the virtual world. Besides the cars listed below, those who purchase it will also get 46 Ferrari-themed racing events, including hot lap challenges, endurance races and a world tour. You’ll also be able to unlock 125 Gamerscore points.
For the complete list of Ferrari models arriving next week for the Xbox 360, hit the jump.
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Post tags: Tags: Ferrari, need-for-speed, nfs shift, Video Games
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So you thought that Toyota models only had problems with acceleration, either due to the faulty pedal or the sticking floor mat, but now it’s official: some cars, including the 2010 Prius, the JDM Sai and the Lexus HS hybrids, all have braking problems. The four-cylinder Camry also joins them, albeit from a slightly different cause, but still concerning the brakes.
First off, it seems that all of the complaints with the braking system on the Prius and its fellow hybrids were right. The new braking energy regeneration systems have impacted the stopping power of the cars on tough conditions like rain or snow. As such, 133,000 2010 model year Prius, 14,500 Lexus 2010 HS 250h and a certain number of Sai hybrids will be recalled so that their ABS systems will be modified.
“We’re committed to doing everything we can – as fast as we can – to restore consumer trust in Toyota, and these recalls are part of this effort,” Jim Lentz, COO, Toyota Motor Sales said in a release. “We regret the inconvenience this recall will cause to Prius and HS 250h owners, and will do our best with the support of our dealers to make sure that it is conducted in the most trouble-free manner possible.”
But hybrid owners aren’t the only ones with problems stopping, as 7,400 Camry models, specifically the ones equipped with the four-cylinder engine, will also be recalled, due to a power steering hose coming into contact with a brake system one, which can lead to a hole in the latter, and result in a loss of brake response.
Source: Toyota
Post tags: Tags: 2010 toyota prius, lexus hs, lexus hs 250h, Recalls, Toyota, toyota camry, toyota prius, toyota sai
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Last weekend BMW saw fit to present the 2011 X5, the mid-cycle facelift for the popular SUV. The car is set to be premiered at the Geneva Motor Show in March and at the New York Auto Show in April.
Before then, if our photo gallery or before and after photo comparison between the pre-facelift and the facelifted 2011 BMW X5 hasn’t satisfied your appetite for the Bavarian SUV, you’ll be happy to hear that we have five new videos, showcasing the new car in the snow.
These vids cover everything from snow driving to the careful examination of the new interior, so hit the jump and enjoy them.
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Post tags: Tags: 2011 bmw x5, BMW, bmw x5, facelift, Video, videos
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After finishing sixth overall in the ARCA stock car race held in Daytona, former Indy Car racer Danica Patrick revealed that she will be staying for another week and start her first proper Nascar race, albeit in the second-tier champion, the Nationwide Series, which will take place this weekend in Daytona.
The popular driver revealed at the end of the Arca race last week that she still hasn’t decided where she will make her Nascar debut, but it appears that the great performance she had in Daytona has helped her in this decision.
“Racing in the Nationwide Series race was my goal during this entire two-month preparation process, but we wanted to make sure it was the right thing to do,” said Patrick, who plans to run a partial Nationwide schedule this year. “The ARCA race was a blast, and I’m not ready for my first Daytona Speedweeks to end just yet.”
The female driver will be running in her GoDaddy no. 7 Chevrolet, under the JR Motorsports team flag. Hopefully she will bring more fans to the sport and her proper debut will confirm her talent. Rest assured that her performances will be covered in our Motorsport Weekend feature.
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Post tags: Tags: danica patrick, daytona 500, Motorsport, nascar
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Citroen has had a fantastic run in the World Rally Championship in the last few years, first with the Xsara Picasso and now with the stunning C4 WRC which is proving to be an enduring rally car. But even though it has proven itself time and time again, the 2010 season will be the last in which the model will serve Sebastien Loeb and his teammates.
Next year, Citroen will introduce the smaller DS3 WRC model, in an effort to change things up and to promote the brand new car, in which it has placed high hopes for the regular market. As is natural, the French company has already begun seriously testing the DS3 race car, in order to ensure peak performance for its rally team.
Now, this new video popped up, showing the Citroen DS3 WRC undergo some tough testing stages. For any rally fan, this footage will be a real treat. Hit the jump to see how the smaller race car performs and then share your thoughts about the switch the French company will make next year.
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Post tags: Tags: Citroen, Citroen C4, citroen c4 wrc, citroen ds3, citroen ds3 wrc, Motorsport, Video, wrc
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The new Volkswagen Polo looks great. It’s much more aggressive style is what makes it stand apart from its fellow B segment hatchbacks and also helped it earn the 2010 European Car of the Year award.
But JE Design thought its looks can use some improvement, and has released a new body kit package for the small German model. The kit itself is made out of a front spoiler, a set of more aggressive side skirts and a restyled rear bumper with a faux carbon fiber diffuser, all for $2,000 (€1528). If you want a set of wheels to go alongside it, JE Design offers either a 17-inch or an 18-inch set, both finished in shadow silver and costing $2,475 (€1809) and $2,600 (€1929) respectively.
Other accessories for the Polo V include a center-mounted exhaust system from stainless steel, LED daytime running lights, lower springs and a new KW coilover suspension. For the inside, the tuning company offers options like leather upholstery, heated or massaging seats.
Performance upgrades aren’t available just yet, but according to JE Design, they are in development and an announcement will arrive soon enough, hopefully before the Polo GTI gets here.
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Post tags: Tags: je-design, Tuning, Volkswagen, volkswagen-polo
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Last weekend was filled with motorsport activities, all of them coming from the famous Daytona track in the USA. This edition of Motorsport Weekend will cover the Daytona ARCA rage, the Budweiser Shootout and the qualifying sessions for the Daytona 500 Nascar race, which will take place this week.
So without further delay, hit the jump to find out the results from these competitions, including how Danica Patrick faired in her first non-Indy Car race.
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Post tags: Tags: daytona 500, motorsport weekend, nascar
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The Super Bowl is one of the biggest sporting events in USA, gathering millions of viewers for the great football game and even greater ads which are aired during the breaks.
One carmaker which paid big money for some ad space was Volkswagen, which featured the Punch Dub game, where anyone would playfully punch the person next to them when seeing a Volkswagen model. Originally thought of during the 1970s due to the popularity of the VW Beetle model, the game is now coming back, as the German company now has 13 models on US streets.
The ad also features cameos from famous musician Stevie Wonder and comedian Tracy Morgan. Hit the jump (pun not intended) and prepare to punch your friends the next time you see a Volkswagen car.
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Post tags: Tags: ad, super bowl, Volkswagen
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Ferrari has recently revealed more details about its hybrid endeavors, including the 599 hybrid prototype it will be showing next month at the Geneva Motor Show and the future plans for implementing such a technology into production models.
First off, company boss Amedeo Felisa revealed that the hybrid 599 has been used for almost a year, and has improved the fuel average of the stock 599 GTB Fiorano by 25%. Sadly though, such an improvement came with a price, as the hybrid setup added another 176 pounds (80 kg) to the curb weight of the sportscar, something which Ferrari always wants to avoid.
But even though the prototype will be showcased next month, don’t expect production hybrid models to roll off the Maranello assembly line at least for another five years, according to Felisa.
“The technology is not ready,” he said. “The suppliers are not ready. Everything is underdeveloped. There is a lot of work to so. It is not for tomorrow. We haven’t decided when [it will be introduced]. It will be around 2015, but not before five years.”
The Ferrari exec added that the team which worked on the KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) setup for last year’s Formula 1 race car has been moved into another department, in order to develop other technologies to make Ferrari models greener. It is expect, according to Felisa, that the current hybrid systems his company is working on will be easily fitted to all of the current car setups, front or mid-mounted engines, and all types of units, be it V8 or V12.
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Post tags: Tags: Ferrari, ferrari 599 gtb fiorano, ferrari 599 hybrid, geneva-motor-show, Hybrid
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As we all know, yesterday the Super Bowl was held, and with the great football match came some great and very expensive ads.
One of them was dedicated to the Audi A3 TDI model, which was awarded at the LA Auto Show, at the end of the year, the 2010 Green Car of the Year.
In order to promote such a car, Audi brings forth a very sensitive issue: a special type of police enforcing “green” living and eco-friendly attitudes, even though they might be pushing it quite a few times.
Hit the jump to watch the ad and then share your thoughts below.
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Post tags: Tags: ad, Audi, audi a3 tdi, audi-a3, super bowl, Video
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Subaru is preparing a big European announcement at next month’s Geneva Motor Show: the Impreza VX crossover, which will take the successful hatchback and give it a more off-road look.
Included in this new edition are things like a redesigned front grille and wheel arches, special roof rails and a spoiler in the rear. Power, as is traditional these days for Subaru, will come from a choice of 2.0-liter Boxer engines, either petrol or diesel, which will send power through the symmetrical all-wheel drive system.
While some voices say that this might just be a Euro-spec edition of the Subaru Outback Sport which is currently marketed in the US, no official photos have been revealed, so we must wait it out until March.
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Post tags: Tags: geneva-motor-show, Subaru, subaru impreza, subaru impreza vx
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