Welcome to a brand new edition of Motorsport Weekend, our own feature where we talk about the results from the most exciting races in the last three days.
Things slowed down a bit this weekend, as we had the MotoGP Aragon GP in Spain, while the first race in the 2010 Chase counting for the Nascar Sprint Cup was the Sylvania 300, held on the New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
So, curious to see how Casey Stone, Jorge Lorenzo, Denny Hamlin or Clint Bowyer faired in their respective events? Hit the jump and find out.
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Post tags: Tags: motogp, Motorsport, motorsport weekend, nascar, results, sprint cup
By now, almost everybody knows Lamborghini is teasing a brand new model ahead of the Paris Motor Show‘s start, later this month.
But while almost everyone thought that it will present the new Murcielago replacement, the Jota, things might be a bit more complicated. A new report from 0-60 magazine reveals that the Italian supercar manufacturer will reveal not one but two new models in the French capital.
The second model is codenamed 83X, and might feature a V10 engine, as highlighted by the third teaser image released last week (featured above). According to previous rumors, the Jota will be powered by a direct injection V12, so there might be some fact to this speculation.
Currently though, Lamborghini is keeping a tight wrap on things, so we can only wait until the Paris show begins.
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Post tags: Tags: Lamborghini, lamborghini jota, lamborghini-murcielago, paris motor show
While Dodge has yet to reveal anything about the 2011 model year versions of its two main muscle cars, the Charger and Challenger, we already know quite a bit about the powerful models.
Now, courtesy of a leaked brochure, the power ratings of the 2011 Dodge Challenger have been revealed.
There will be three versions of the Challenger available, each with specific features and accessories. The starting one is the Challenger with the new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, capable of 305 HP and 268 lb-ft of torque. This is an increase of 50 HP and 18 lb-ft over the outgoing 3.5-liter model.
Next up we have the Challenger R/T, powered by a 5.7-liter HEMI V8, capable of 379 HP and 410 lb-ft of torque. For those keeping score, a 7 HP and 10 lb-ft increase over the 2010 model year.
At the top of the range, the 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 will use a 6.4-liter HEMI V8, with 475 HP and 460 lb-ft of torque, an upgrade of 50 HP and 40 lb-ft over the outgoing SRT8.
Overall, the refreshed Challenger is set to be a worthy opponent to the likes of the Camaro or Mustang. Look forward to more details in the following weeks.
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Post tags: Tags: 2011 dodge challenger, details, Dodge, dodge-challenger, leaked brochure, performance, power
Citroen is continuing its long line of concepts this year, and has revealed a new one, much more radical than the anything we’ve seen from the French company.
The Citroen Lacoste concept, as its name suggests, has been revealed as a product of a partnership between the automaker and French apparel company Lacoste.
The model is presented as a ‘stylish, yet minimalist’ buggy, almost the size of the current C1 compact, and using the same three-cylinder engine. The windscreen has a greenish hue, but can be lowered at the press of a button. The dashboard uses a new type of display, with large pixels, similar to early video games like Pong.
There’s no traditional roof, as Citroen opted for a T-shaped design. If rain does appear, the driver can deploy an inflatable yellow soft top. The boot is also missing from the Lacoste concept, but the rear bench can slide towards the front, in order to provide room for small luggage.
Expect the Citroen Lacoste concept to be formally revealed at the Paris Motor Show, and according to some rumors, it might preview styling cues for the next generation C1 model.
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Post tags: Tags: Citroen, citroen lacoste, Concepts, paris motor show
Chevrolet is packing quite an impressive lineup for the upcoming Paris Motor Show. At first, we saw the production version of the Chevrolet Orlando MPV, afterwards, the new Cruze hatchback, followed by the all-new Aveo compact and, last but not least, the refreshed Captiva SUV.
Now, the bowtie brand has decided to showcase these new models even more, and released four new videos. Each flick showcases the exterior and interior of the car in question, and you even get some driving footage of the Captiva and Orlando.
As you will be able to see, Chevrolet is stepping into a right direction with the new Aveo and Orlando models, while the Captiva and Cruze received some extra care and new options. With such models, we’re confident Chevrolet will see increased sales in the Old Continent.
Check out the new videos after the jump.
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Post tags: Tags: 2011 chevrolet aveo, 2011 chevrolet captiva, Chevrolet, chevrolet captiva, chevrolet cruze, chevrolet cruze hatchback, chevrolet orlando, chevrolet-aveo, paris motor show, Video
Last week, Chrysler opened the floodgates of information, and revealed an array of upgraded models and began teasing new and improved ones. We saw the 2011 Chrysler Town and Country, the 2011 Jeep Patriot, and caught brief glimpses of the new Chrysler 200.
Among the pieces of data that slipped through was a statement from Chrysler and Fiat overlord Sergio Marchionne, who revealed that alongside the new eight-speed automatic gearbox set to debut on next generation rear-wheel drive models, the Pentastar will launch an even bigger transmission.
According to the Italian boss, Chrysler will begin offering, in 2012, a nine-speed automatic gearbox for its front-wheel drive models. The new transmission will offer improved efficiency, according to the Italian CEO.
Marchionne also revealed that both those gearboxes were designed to be used on all-wheel drive models too, as well as on future hybrid vehicles. Expect both cog-swappers to arrive around 2012 on all new Chrysler cars.
Do you think these new transmissions will attract people or will the thought of nine gears confuse customers? Share your thoughts below.
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Post tags: Tags: Chrysler, Fiat, front-wheel-drive, gearbox, sergio marchionne, technology, transmission
Volvo revealed its most important model of the year, the new S60 sedan, at the Geneva Motor Show. This doesn’t mean it will arrive at the upcoming Paris Motor Show empty handed, as the Swedish company confirmed that it will bring a hotter S60 R-Design version.
As seen before with other upgraded Volvo models, the R-Design version will definitely bring a range of new accessories for the S60. These include a body kit, special options, and might even add a retuned suspension or improved handling.
Until the Paris show starts, Volvo USA has officially revealed that the S60 will be making its way into dealerships next month. At first, it will pack a 300 HP 3.0-liter inline-six, with all-wheel drive, starting at $37,700. Next year, the range will also see the addition of a cheaper front-wheel drive five-cylinder model.
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Post tags: Tags: 2011 volvo s60, paris motor show, r-design, Volvo, volvo s60, volvo s60 r-design
After confirming a few weeks ago that it will launch a private test fleet of electric vehicles, based on the 9-3 model, Swedish company Saab has officially revealed its EV prototype: the Saab ePower.
The model, as you can see above, is based on the 9-3 Combi (Wagon), and will see 70 units be deployed onto Swedish roads at the beginning of next year, part of the aforementioned test fleet.
The Saab ePower uses a 35.5 kWh lithium ion battery pack, which powers a 184 HP electric motor. The range is estimated at 124 miles, and the battery can be charged in around six hours. The performance of the ePower is pretty decent, with 0 to 62 mph in 8.5 seconds, and a top speed of 93 mph.
Don’t expect to see a production ready Saab EV anytime soon though, as the technologies on the ePower will just be used to make the current models more fuel efficient.
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Post tags: Tags: Electric Vehicles, Saab, saab 9-3, saab epower, sweden
Muscle car fans and PC users rejoice, as the guys from ChevyMall have combined the two things, and revealed a very interesting PC case, in the form of a 20-inch Chevrolet Camaro replica.
As you can see above and below, what may look like just another scale Camaro is actually a fully working computer, with things like USB ports, a DVD slot and working headlights and taillights, which show you when the computer is busy.
The PC, like its real life car counterpart, is quite well equipped, packing a dual core Intel Atom chip, a choice of either 4 or 8 GB of RAM and a 500 GB hard drive. You’ll also be getting Windows 7 Home Premium operating system, but the package doesn’t include things like mouse, keyboard or monitor.
Still, if you want your PC to look like a Camaro, pricing starts at $1,239.
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Post tags: Tags: case, Chevrolet, chevrolet-camaro, computer, pc
BMW is set to bring quite a lot of new models to the upcoming Paris Motor Show, including the new 2011 X3 crossover. The biggest suprise, however, was revealed yesterday, when the German company presented the new BMW 6 Series Coupe Concept.
Even though it is billed as a design study, you can expect the production version of the 2012 BMW 6 Series, set to be launched in fall of 2011, to look pretty much the same.
That’s not a bad thing though, as the concept takes the design of the well-received BMW Gran Coupe concept, and tones it down with a few cues from the 2011 5 Series. It will share the same platform with the new sedan, while the rear is one of the most aggressive ones we’ve seen so far.
The interior has also been overhauled, with the design playing a bigger role than before. The center console is, as usual, aimed towards the driver, while contrasting material blends the passenger dashboard with the armrest. Customers will be able to choose from a variety of leather types, as well as from different inserts ranging from aluminum to wood.
Expect the BMW 6 Series Coupe Concept in the flesh at the Paris show, while the production version will be revealed next year. The lineup is expected to include the regular coupe, a convertible, the high performance M6 and even a four-door coupe, in the vein of the Gran Coupe Concept. Until then, check it out in the photo gallery below.
Photo Gallery: BMW 6 Series Coupe Concept
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Post tags: Tags: 2012 bmw 6 series, BMW, bmw 6 series, bmw 6 series coupe concept, bmw gran coupe, Concepts, paris motor show
With the advent of the recessions and the economic downturn, many people believed theft will rise, especially car theft, as they are much easier to steal.
According to the FBI though, things aren’t exactly so. The federal bureau says that statistics for 2009 car thefts show a 17 percent decline as opposed to 2008, and are at the lowest point in 20 years. Last year, 794,616 were stolen from their owners.
While that may sound like good news, the FBI warns that while thefts are down, so is the recovery rate of the stolen cars. Last year, just 42 percent of vehicles were found and returned to their owners, a 25 percent drop as opposed to 2008.
Why is this? The FBI and law enforcement officials say that thieves are getting increasingly professional. They’re no longer dealing with kids or first time offenders, instead with organized groups that know how to make a car disappear.
In the end, the FBI offers some basic safety tips: keep your car parked in well lit areas, lock it at all times and keep valuable items like GPS systems hidden inside.
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Post tags: Tags: car theft, crime, fbi, police, statistic, theft
Gran Turismo 5 is definitely one of the most expected games of this fall, and unlike previous times, it actually looks like it will come out, and with a whole array of features and modes.
Besides offering the most realistic driving experience besides getting into an actual car, its developer, Polyphony Digital, has decided to throw in something extra, just for the kicks.
As such, it has partnered up with Red Bull Racing, in order to create the fastest (virtual) race car, set to be used in an environment without any technical specifications or regulations. The car has been built just for pure performance, but still able to obey the laws of physics (meaning no rocket strapped to its back).
The result is currently being teased at the Tokyo Games Show, and is called the X1 Prototype. Basically, the model is a cross between the Formula 1 RB06 race car and a Le Mans prototype, but with the power cranked up to 11 (and then some).
Check it out in an HD video after the jump.
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Post tags: Tags: gran turismo, gran turismo 5, polyphony digital, red bull, red bull racing, Video, Video Games, x1 prototype
Last week we revealed a report containing all of the new features that might be implemented in the new and improved OnStar system on vehicles from General Motors.
Now, GM has officially revealed what new things will be implemented in its next gen infotainment system.
First off, the voice recognition system has been improved, in order to allow drivers and passengers to better control the systems of the car. Secondly, the Bluetooth connection will support full phonebook integration, while the navigation system has been improved. You will also be able to connect to traffic management and weather alert services in order to stay informed on trips.
OnStar will also launch a new MyLink series of mobile apps for smartphones, including ones for iPhones and those running Android OS. These will basically act like your virtual key, allowing you to lock and unlock the car, start the engine and other such things.
Here’s the more interesting part, the rumored Facebook and voice texting support. These features are still in the testing, but OnStar will allow you to post audio Facebook updates, as well as read aloud updates from your friend feed.
The voice texting part has also been confirmed, but not in the way that you were expecting. When you will receive a text message, OnStar will read it for you, and allow you to select pre-recorded messages, like “I’m driving”. This will be achieved using only your voice. Those that wanted speech-to-text capability are going to be disappointed, as GM might not implement such a thing, in order to keep from distracting the driver.
Overall, the OnStar system is becoming extremely robust, and might constitute a big advantage for GM cars in front of its rivals. What do you think?
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Post tags: Tags: details, facebook, features, General Motors, gm, infotainment, onstar, technology, texting
The Suzuki Kizashi is one interesting sedan, but while its regular versions might not demand much respect, people were awaiting something a bit more exciting when the Kizashi Sport was revealed. Sadly, that didn’t happen, as the model developed just 185 HP.
Now, the crew at Road Race Motorsports decided to really upgrade the Japanese sedan, and have revealed the Suzuki Kizashi Platinum Edition.
The new model boasts a supercharger added to the 2.4-liter engine, which can take power output to either 200 HP or a more impressive 300 HP. The suspension can also be had in three stages, depending on what type of handling you want.
The exterior of the Kizashi has been upgraded as well, in order to reflect its newfound performance, with a dedicated body kit. 18- or 19-inch wheels can also be added, alongside various other upgrades that the customer might want.
The Platinum Edition performance package will be available from RRM or from select Suzuki dealerships.
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Post tags: Tags: road race motorsports, Suzuki, suzuki kizashi platinum edition, suzuki-kizashi, Tuning
While car companies are launching dedicated iPhone applications for some of their more popular models, Ford is going one step further, and has released a dedicated iPad app for the 2011 Fiesta model.
The new app is basically a full pledged brochure, and allows customers to read all about the Fiesta’s technologies, safety systems, performance and features. You can also watch videos of the Fiesta in action and interact with things like a virtual center console.
The new iPad app is already available on the iTunes store, and has also been showcased in a video by Ford itself. See it in action after the jump.
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Post tags: Tags: 2011 ford fiesta, app, brochure, compact, Ford, ford-fiesta, ipad, Video
