Autoblog

REPORT: Opel/Vauxhall CEO plans five-year product offensive

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 17:29:00 EST

Interim Opel CEO Nick Reilly has been overseeing the German firm for all of six weeks. And over that scant month and a half, he's conjured the way forward for Opel and Vauxhall and seems determined to leave nothing undone. Chatting with Auto Motor und Sport, Reilly intends to give Opel a little SUV on the Corsa platform, an Opel version of the Mini, a continuation of the Agila and an all-new electric car.

Opel would also be greater master of its own fate: Opel's tie with Suzuki will continue even with VW's recent move, but other Opels like the next Corsa would be developed in Germany. Such a vision, along with his already avowed hybrid push, would keep Opel exceedingly busy over the next five years. If his plans are achieved, it could put them in a very good spot come 2013. But there's a long way to go before all of that happens -- in the short-term GM first has to sort out the funds to keep the company running properly at all.

[Source: Autocar | Image: Thomas Lohnes/Getty]

REPORT: Opel/Vauxhall CEO plans five-year product offensive originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Turbocharged BMW-powered Yugo highboy has us reconsidering the GV

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:55:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Videos, Humor

Vprache BMW six-cylinder turbo Yugo in hoon mode - Click above to watch video

In the beginning, there was a yellow Yugo GV. And when the folks at Vprache Racing cast their eyes over it, they thought it was missing something. So they gave it an 3.5-liter BMW inline six-cylinder transplant and added a turbo besides. And an intercooler mounted on the grille. And a high-rise lift job. Then they took it hooning. And that was the end of the first day.

When that wasn't enough, they added another turbo and fashioned arches to cover the exposed rubber. And then they took it drag racing. And that was the end of the second day. You can check out videos of the car in both iterations after the jump. It's fast. And in a yellow Yugo, you'd want to be.

[Sources: Tampa Sports Car Examiner; YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Turbocharged BMW-powered Yugo highboy has us reconsidering the GV

VIDEO: Turbocharged BMW-powered Yugo highboy has us reconsidering the GV originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Lamborghini's Valentino Balboni drifting a Lamborghini Valentino Balboni

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 10:40:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Europe, Videos, Lamborghini

All hail the drift king, Valentino Balboni - Click above to view the video after the jump

Fate is a funny thing. It was our destiny to get a ride with Valentino Balboni in a Lamborghini LP550-2 Valentino Balboni during rush hour traffic in Los Angeles. Lucky? Absolutely, though we may have crested 50 mph once... maybe. Would we have preferred to have been in the passenger seat of this here limeade green Valentino Balboni as Lamborghini's legendary test driver literally hoons the rear tires off the car? Dear God, yes!!

The following video is actually a pretty good demonstration of the difference between RWD and AWD vehicles. You'll see the Mr. Balboni flinging the LP550-2 around a corner, the rear sliding out a touch before he applies just a dab of oppo' to get the V10-powered, rear-wheel drive mini-monster back in line. This is followed by an AWD LP560-4 which simply can't break traction and sort of gracelessly shunts and shutters its way around the corner. Faster, no doubt -- but not nearly as fun to watch. And then there are sparks and smoke and trust us you'll love this. Watch the video, after the jump.

[Source: YouTube via Jalopnik]

Continue reading VIDEO: Lamborghini's Valentino Balboni drifting a Lamborghini Valentino Balboni

VIDEO: Lamborghini's Valentino Balboni drifting a Lamborghini Valentino Balboni originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Land Rover releases Freelander 2 Sport for UK loyalists

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Europe, Land Rover, UK, Luxury

2010 Land Rover Freelander 2 Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

Another week, another special edition for the UK. New for 2010, the Land Rover Freelander 2 Sport attempts to be equipped as regally as its name suggests, with either a Santorini Black or Lago Grey paint job decked out with color-keyed exterior trim, a rear spoiler, and 19-inch diamond-turned alloy wheels.

Inside is where the thrills reside, with a two-tone interior in, ahem, "Ebony & Storm," and your choice of cloth interior or a "sports styling pack" in Lago Grey leather. Somewhat ironically, the Sport comes with a 2.2-liter diesel four that churns the wheels through a manual transmission, and it gets even better gas mileage with the fitment of stop/start technology.

The model goes on sale next month and starts at £26,695 ($43,581 USD, but bear in mind that UK market prices are higher than those of the U.S.) on-the-road. No word yet on whether North American consumers will get a shot at this model under the LR2 nameplate, so for now, content yourself with our high-res gallery below and the official press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Land Rover Freelander 2 Sport

[Source: Land Rover]

Continue reading Land Rover releases Freelander 2 Sport for UK loyalists

Land Rover releases Freelander 2 Sport for UK loyalists originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen Passat CC R-Line now on sale - in Europe

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Sedan, Europe, Volkswagen, Design/Style

2010 Volkswagen Passat CC R-Line - Click above for high-res image gallery

Volkswagen just opened the order book on the Passat CC with the R-Line package in Europe. We saw this car at the Frankfurt Motor Show and were completely smitten with it. Taking the regular CC's swoopy coupedan shape and adding the R-Line package makes it just about perfect. What stops it from being perfect is the fact that the R-Line package doesn't add any oomph. Just like Audi's S-Line, its alterations are mainly cosmetic.

The R-Line package adds an aero kit, surprisingly modest "Mallory" pattern 17-inch wheels, R-Line emblems, smoked taillights, R-Line aluminum sill plates, a unique three-spoke multifunction leather-wrapped steering wheel, front foglamps, and the Park Pilot system.

It becomes the eighth R-Line model in Volkswagen's lineup and will add 2,200 euro to the price of your CC - about $3,200 in Yankee bucks. Full press release after the jump and plenty of live and press pics below.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Volkswagen CC R

Gallery: 2010 Volkswagen Passat CC R-Line

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Volkswagen Passat CC R-Line now on sale - in Europe

Volkswagen Passat CC R-Line now on sale - in Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Justin Timberlake named new Audi "brand ambassador"

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Audi, Celebrities

All we really want to do at this moment in time is make a never-ending series of N'Sync jokes. But we don't know any. So instead, let's talk about how Audi has just picked Justin Timberlake to be their new spokesman. What's JT doing specifically? Seems as if the four interlocking rings folks are gearing up to do some sort of "extraordinary Internet campaign" for the A1 and "That's where Timberlake will play a leading role."

Just yesterday, we published a report that the new Audi A1 will possibly not be coming to the U.S. Obviously, a star of Timberlake's caliber will be able to effectively move metal outside of our shores. But we have to wonder if Audi's naming Timberlake its brand ambassador doesn't kick a little sand into the eye of the A1-is-not-for-here theory. After the all, the guy started his music career on Star Search and later as a Mouseketeer. It seems fairly apparent that Audi would make a move like this if us American types are in fact getting their small premium city car. Then again, we're not really up on our star watching and our Significant Others tell us that JT is an international phenom. In any case, at this moment in time, we just don't know what to think. Press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Audi A1 Graffiti Teasers

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Justin Timberlake named new Audi "brand ambassador"

Justin Timberlake named new Audi "brand ambassador" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Alfa Romeo Kamal Concept snapped at Fiat R&D facility?

Noah Joseph — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Europe, Crossover, Alfa Romeo

If this crossover looks a little familiar, your eyes are not playing tricks on you. Alfa Romeo unveiled this concept vehicle at the 2003 Geneva Motor Show. It was called the Kamal, and it was supposed to have gone into production by now. But things have been a little crazy over at the Fiat group. Mergers and acquisitions have collapsed and others have gone through, forcing the Italian automaker to change its product strategy at every turn.

What has us asking questions all over again is this batch of spy shots reportedly leaked by an employee at Fiat's Elasis research and development facility in Pomigliano, Italy. Of course, it's entirely possible the original concept was being moved from one storage facility to another, but then they could be bringing it out again for another reason. One way or another, we should find out soon as Fiat/Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne prepares to decide on Alfa's fate in due course.

Gallery: Alfa Romeo Kamal concept

[Source: alvolante.it via Worldcarfans]

Spy Shots: Alfa Romeo Kamal Concept snapped at Fiat R&D facility? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CTS-V Challenge driver and M3 owner Michael Cooper gets pat on the back from BMW

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Marketing/Advertising, BMW, Cadillac

Michael Cooper and his Cadillac CTS-V-challenging BMW M3 - click above for high-res image gallery

This guy. So, some of you no doubt remember the Cadillac CTS-V Challenge. If you don't, here's a refresher: General Motors vice-chairman Maximum Bob Lutz challenged any journalist to bring a CTS-V competitor to California's Laguna Seca where the 77-year-old Lutz would mop the floor with he/she and whatever fancy-pants, Euro sedan they done brung. Of course, the event got moved to New York's Monticello Motor Club, and to guarantee that the Cadillac didn't lose, GM brought in a backup pilot, John Hienricy, the company's noted hot shoe engineer and race car driver. And then every other manufacturer (Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar) decided not to play into GM's marketing ploy, and withdrew their ~~cars'~~ support.

To be frank, we here at Autoblog toyed with the idea of throwing our hoon-hat in the ring, but after Heinricy became Cadillac's ace in the hole, we figured the whole challenge was unwinnable (we've driven with Mr. Heinricy - he's that good). While it would no doubt have been fun, totally playing into General Motor's hands like that (by also losing), well, not so much. Luckily, privateer Michael Cooper and his BMW M3 wasn't in on our conference call.

Mr. Cooper showed up to the Caddy Challenge and laid down a 2:50.424, beating not only Bob Lutz's 2:56.321 in the way more powerful CTS-V, but our pals Lawrence Ulrich (2:53:026) and Jack Baruth (2:51:153), both of whom were driving the big supercharged Caddy. Not surprisingly, Heinricy blew the doors off of every single person, ripping off a 2:46.560. Probably while flossing. But let's not overlook young Michael Cooper, who with 142 less horsepower and a boatload less torque to work with came in less than four seconds behind John (ringer *cough* ringer) Hienricy.

BMW was so taken by Mr. Cooper's feat of good driving that they reportedly invited him down to their North American headquarters in New Jersey and gave him a BMW Performance Multifunction Steering Wheel. How else to thank the guy that tossed such an effective monkey wrench into GM's marketing plans? BMW installed the wheel in Cooper's M3 while he was given a ride in a special BMW Performance enhanced 335i Sedan. So, one more time, a hearty Autoblog congratulations to Michael Cooper and his Cadillac CTS-V challenging BMW M3. The one with the fancy new steering wheel.

Gallery: Michael Cooper's BMW M3

[Source: BMW Blog]

CTS-V Challenge driver and M3 owner Michael Cooper gets pat on the back from BMW originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Race-spec Jaguar XF touring car debuts at Kyalami Superstars

Noah Joseph — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Europe, Jaguar, Specialty

Ferlito Motors Jaguar XF Superstars touring car - Click above for image gallery

We can thank the Italians for some of the most enticing race machinery ever to grace tarmac. But in this case, the Italians have taken a British saloon and transformed it for track duty.

This racing version of the Jaguar XF made its debut this past weekend at South Africa's Kyalami circuit, where the Superstars Series held its season finale. The Italian touring car series pits all manner of specially-prepared machinery - ranging from Chevrolet Luminas and Chrysler 300s to Audi RS4s and the Maserati Quattroporte we reported on earlier - against each other at circuits around Italy, with one round this season held abroad. While you may not recognize any names from the current roster of drivers, the handicapped former CART Champion and F1 driver Alex Zanardi is set to race for BMW in the Italian series.

Few details are available on the new Jag touring car's specifications, but it was prepared by Italian racing garage Ferlito Motors to replace an aging machine based on the old S-Type. For its race debut, the new XF racer finished 12th - dead last of the cars that finished the race, but at least it finished. Follow the jump for the press release and check out the (unfortunately low-res) images in the gallery below.

Gallery: Ferlito Motors Jaguar XF Superstars touring car

[Source: Superstars Series]

Continue reading Race-spec Jaguar XF touring car debuts at Kyalami Superstars

Race-spec Jaguar XF touring car debuts at Kyalami Superstars originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: 2011 Audi A1 teased ahead of Geneva unveiling

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:40:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Audi, Luxury

2011 Audi A1 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Two years ago, the Audi Metroproject Quattro concept bowed at the Tokyo Motor Show. A year later, the Audi A1 Sportback study was unveiled in Paris. And in less than two months, the production 2011 Audi A1 will finally be revealed online ahead of its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show... but not before the hype machine is put into full effect.

After the jump, you can check out three teaser videos of the A1, beginning with a graffiti homage to Audi's new compact hatch, followed by a brief statement from Chairman Rupert Stadler and a design discussion with a few of the A1's creators.

Predictably, all three spots are mum on details, but from previous reports, we know that the A1 is likely to be powered by a 1.4-liter TFSI four-cylinder channeling around 150 hp to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. All-wheel drive may be exclusive to the 180-hp S1 -- due to arrive sometime in 2011 -- with the standard model dolling out power to the front wheels alone, and a cabrio variant arriving in 2012. Expect all the details to come down from on high in February -- including an announcement about Audi's intent to sell the A1 Stateside -- but until then... jump.

Gallery: 2011 Audi A1 Graffiti Teasers

Continue reading VIDEO: 2011 Audi A1 teased ahead of Geneva unveiling

VIDEO: 2011 Audi A1 teased ahead of Geneva unveiling originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Happy New Year! BMW rings in 2010 with price increases across the board

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Europe, BMW

BMW X6 ActiveHybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

Normally we can think of some cute little anecdote to kick these here posts off with, but today... can't do it. BMW is raising their prices by 0.4 percent across the board on vehicles sold in North America. This price increase takes effect on January 1, 2010. Why? BMW isn't saying. And while less than a percent may not sound like much, if you're buying a stripper 760Li ($136,600), that's like $600!

There is a tiny sliver of good news. The three vehicles that just got introduced to this continent in December -- the ActiveHybrid X6, ActiveHybrid 7 and the 550i Gran Turismo -- are unaffected by this price increase. Of course as all three of those vehicles haven't proved themselves in the marketplace yet, so that sliver is even tinier upon second glance.

But it's not just the base prices that are going up. Destination & Handling fees are on the rise as well. Every new BMW is coming with an additional $50 tacked onto the 2009 $825 price, for a total of $875. And yes, this fifty dollar increase applies to the two new hybrids and the Gran Turismo as well. Happy New Year!

Gallery: BMW X6 ActiveHybrid Concept

[Source: BMW]

Happy New Year! BMW rings in 2010 with price increases across the board originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Despite selling off old bits to BAIC, Saab brand still in search of buyer

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: China, Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, GM, Saab

2010 Saab 9-5 - click above for high-res image gallery

Here's a little bit more on the salvation/debacle of Saab. First of all, it should be pointed out that after our last report about Holland's Spyker trying to buy Saab, the ~~freaks~~ lovely people over at Saabs United pointed out some ~~gaping holes in our reporting~~ an inconsistency or two with the Reuters/our version of the facts. As such, we've gone ahead and vetted the information we're using for this post with the brain trust over at Saabs United. Hey, they really like Saabs, what can we say? And now, on to the story.

Automotive News is reporting that China's Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Company (BAIC) has reached a deal with General Motors to acquire the tooling for both the Saab 9-3 and 9-5. Not so fast, says Saab's United! What they actually acquired is the tooling for the old 9-5, as well as the stuff for the pre-2006 9-3. Sort of a big difference, as obviously Saab's just getting geared up to roll out the all new 9-5 - and whomever winds up buying Saab will most likely want to offer both it and the existing 9-3 and its derivatives. Spyker's CEO Victor Muller confirms the BAIC deal is for "old equipment" and goes on to characterize the BAIC deal as, "Good news."

Then there's a bunch of no commenting. Obviously, General Motors has no comment on anything, though they do say that once a deal is reached they will say something. As far as we can tell, the pending Spyker deal is still a definite maybe. BAIC could not be reached to make a "no comment," and Saab's Eric Geer's stated, "We can't comment on anything about the sales process." Though our Saabs United source does provide us with a juicy tidbit, "[Geer's] wife is Saab's head legal counsel so he's like the canary in the coal mine. If he ever resigns suddenly..."

So there you have it - Saab's future is still totally up in the air. Though our source says that in addition to the 9-5 sedan, there's a 9-5 wagon (SportCombi) that's "pretty much ready to go" as well as the 9-4x which has, "been ready for about a year but Caddy had to get the SRX out first." Plus, a new 9-3 is being worked on. And one more thing - Saabs United is reporting that a Swedish group (not Renco) is also in talks with GM, in addition to the Spyker deal. We'll keep you posted.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Saab 9-5

[Source: Automotive News - subs req. | Saabs United]

REPORT: Despite selling off old bits to BAIC, Saab brand still in search of buyer originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Borat-class "Rolls-Royce" actually looks good

Jonny Lieberman — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 18:49:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedan, Etc., Europe, Videos, Rolls-Royce, Luxury

Not a Rolls-Royce Phantom - Click above to watch the video

Right, so this isn't really a Rolls-Royce. We know, we know -- you thought it was. And that's understandable. But no, it's a fake, a phony, a fraud, etc. And with the owner spending at least, say, $3,000 to turn an old Mercedes-Benz E-Class into a Roller, we understand why you were duped. We aren't surprised, however, that this car exists in a former Soviet Bloc country (supposedly Kazakhstan).

All joking/sardonic comments aside, we always wonder why people bother with stunts like this. The other day we saw a BMW E39 525i with a M5 badge. Now, the only people that will be impressed by an M5 badge are the exact same people who will notice that the E39 is missing the requisite four tail pipes. So, who exactly are they fooling, besides themselves? This Phantom conversion's one redeeming quality is that the finished product (somehow) looks pretty good. Make the jump to watch the video. A tip of the Kalpak to Pasi for the tip!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Borat-class "Rolls-Royce" actually looks good

VIDEO: Borat-class "Rolls-Royce" actually looks good originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Dec 2009 18:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MEC Design takes another (eyeball) stab at the SLS AMG

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 12:33:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG by MEC Design - Click above for image gallery

Germans are generally so conservative that we sometimes wonder if their aftermarket scene exists only to provide for the anomalies that every society needs. Not many of you fell for MEC Design's first attempt at visually tuning the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, and we would have thought it was something from Tron Legacy if not for the fact of it being yellow. It appears that boys from Berlin returned to their easels and now present the MEC SLS, take two.

It's called a "style study" and to its credit, MEC has deleted the most obscene gestures from the previous rendering: the mommy-make-it-stop nose and horrendous wheels. Nevertheless, MEC's Erector-Set-and-Laffy-Taffy design ethos has only been barely restrained, and the result is still quite troubling. If you have suggestions, you can leave them in the comments section below. We think MEC is reading...

Gallery: MEC Design Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

[Source: Caradisiac]

MEC Design takes another (eyeball) stab at the SLS AMG originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Dec 2009 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Vauxhall team creates mathematical formula for perfect parking

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 17:03:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Technology, Vauxhall, UK

Parallel parking isn't difficult, but we have generally found ways to make it so. Between cars that almost kinda park for you to those with video game displays that turn parking into a Microsoft Flight Simulator landing attempt to the automated cars that park themselves (a frickin' robot! To park!), getting a car into a space couldn't be more complex.

It is a university scientist and engineers at Vauxhall, though, that have proposed the most difficult parking solution we've encountered so far: a not-exactly-short equation. To make it work you'll need to know your car's turning radius, wheelbase, the distance from the center of your car's front wheel to the car's front bumper, and the width of the parked car you're trying to fit behind or in front of.

Drop those numbers into their proper places, let the slide rule dance, use the result to take a few pulls at the wheel, and voila! All you need to do now is leave your insurance information on the cars you just plowed into. If anyone can get this to work, successfully, please let us know. But we though everybody knew the answer to parking is "42." It's the question that's the hard part... Cap tip to Eralp

[Source: Daily Telegraph | Image credit: AtomicNebula via CC2.0]

REPORT: Vauxhall team creates mathematical formula for perfect parking originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 Dec 2009 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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G-Power takes the BMW X6 M, X5 M to 600 hp and beyond

Jonny Lieberman — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 12:23:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Europe, Crossover, BMW

G-Power Typhoon X6 M - click above for hi-res image gallery

We all know what the biggest problem with the BMW X6 M is, right? Not nearly enough power. Sure, 555 hp from a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 is 5 hp more potent than a Porsche Cayenne Turbo, making the X6 M the most powerful production SUV on earth. Still, 600 hp is the new black, so a stock X6 M just ain't going to cut it. Thank heavens, then, for G-Power.

Meet the G-Power Typhoon. Thanks to 15% increased airflow to the intercoolers, G-Power was able to wrangle an additional 45 hp out of the Bimmer's motivator. Torque's up a bit, too. From 500 lb-ft to 516. G-Power claims the 0-62 mph dash is lowered to 4.5 seconds, too. One issue with that, however: Inside Line ripped off a 4.3 second 0-60 mph blast in a stock X6 M, meaning this here Typhoon should be three flavors of bonkers.

Then there's the matter of looks, always a sticking point when discussing modern Bimmers. Here's what we recommend. Go down to your friendly neighborhood BMW dealer with a folding chair. Locate an X6. Sit down in front of it and start staring. Meditate, let everything else you've ever known or thought about cars and car design melt out of your mind. This should take between five and seven hours. The salespeople won't mind -- honest. When you snap out of your trance with your doors of perception suddenly nailed open, the X6 will appear to you as it truly is -- pretty okay-looking.

That settled, we'll admit to liking the G-Power's mods. For instance, you can't say the new front clip looks worse than the old one, can you? And who amongst you doesn't love 25mm profile tires riding on 23-inch wheels? There's all sorts of carbon fiber this and kevlar that available as well. The best part just might be that G-Power isn't leaving the X5 M -- the X6 M's ugly duckling sibling -- out in the cold, as there's a Typhoon kit for it, too. You know what word comes to mind? Nifty, all of it. Highly entertaining press release after the jump.

Gallery: G-Power X6 M and X5 M

[Source: G-Power]

Continue reading G-Power takes the BMW X6 M, X5 M to 600 hp and beyond

G-Power takes the BMW X6 M, X5 M to 600 hp and beyond originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 Dec 2009 12:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hofele Design introduces Audi A5/R8 mashup to controversial effect

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Coupe, Europe, Audi

Hofele Design R8 Look A5 - click above for high-res image gallery

And by "controversial," we mean "disgusting." Look, the R8 has those side blades because it's a mid-engine car, but Audi felt they still need a place for a set of golf clubs, so they lengthened the cabin so the clubs can be stowed behind the seats. Meaning that the body has a whole lot of extra length in the middle. Rather than go all BMW and start torturing the hell out of the metal, they slapped on some pieces of plastic (fine, carbon fiber) and called it a day, leading to a look that some love and others loathe.

Now, the A5/S5 is a superbly beautiful car. From every angle, the seemingly minimalist design gets better and better. Especially when you run your eyes across the length of its rising and falling center line that runs from the front fenders past the doors only to terminate in the tail lamp. Just about pitch-perfect. Truly, one of the better designs this decade. German tuner Hofele Design (apparently) had but one simple mission: how to destroy it!

The results are self-evident. All those people that are moaning and complaining that their Audi A5 3.2s don't look anything like a R8 V10 can now cease their protests. All two of them. Also, and we know this doesn't need stating but here goes: why would you go through the trouble of mutating your car to the nth degree but then leave on the "A5" and "3.2" badges?

Most people who know Audis (i.e. the very people that might have an outside chance of being impressed by this) would agree that A5 and 3.2 stands for the automaker's worst engine/transmission combination, the slow-revving 3.2-liter V6 that's already been dropped from the new A4 and the numbskull six-speed Tiptronic box that likes to be in sixth gear by 39 mph. So, besides the raw, inharmonious phony aspect of the body kit (nice fake quad pipes) why on earth bother? Especially as the badge on the back says A5 and the one in the grille says S5. That's a rhetorical question, because we all know there's no answer/point. One more thing: the R8 Spyder doesn't even have side blades. And hey, why not another: the camber on the rear wheel's all messed up.

Gallery: Hofele A5 R8

[Source: Hofele Design]

Hofele Design introduces Audi A5/R8 mashup to controversial effect originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Tata Nano Europa production details, images come to light

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 17:41:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Hatchback, UK, Tata

Ever since Tata first showed off its diminutive Nano, heavily hyped as the Cheapest Car in the World, the Indian automaker has continually said that it intends to sell the machine in somewhat modified form in both Europe and the United States. The blokes over at Autocar were given a sneak peek at the Nano Europa, which is currently slated for a 2011 introduction, and they've seen fit to share a couple of new details with the rest of us.

For instance, the Nano Europa will ditch the Indian market's 33-horsepower twin-cylinder engine for a new all-aluminum three-cylinder unit with 60 horsepower. That new powerplant will be mated to a five-speed manual transmission with ratios optimized for higher sustained speeds while still offering good fuel efficiency and low carbon emissions.

Not surprisingly, the Nano's tiny dimensions will grow a bit for European use, with overall length said to be up by about eight inches than the Indian market version. That extra bit of sheetmetal ought to prove sufficient for the Nano to pass European NCAP crash tests and help provide a bit more space for passengers and their goods. According to Autocar, the £4000 - £5000 Nano (roughly $6,500 to $8,100 on the pricy UK market) "will change the way car prices are viewed when it hits British showrooms." We'd imagine a similar reaction if it ever hits the States, especially if it comes with an even lower price.

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Tata Nano Europa production details, images come to light originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 17:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alfa Romeo teams up with Italia Independent for special-edition Brera

Noah Joseph — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 17:20:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Europe, Alfa Romeo, Luxury

Alfa Romeo Brera Italia Independent - Click above for high-res image gallery

Say what you will about its driving dynamics, but there's little doubt that the Alfa Romeo Brera is one of the most stylish and fashionable sets of wheels on the road today. As if to reinforce that notion, the Italian automaker has teamed up with fashion house Italia Independent for a special edition model of the angular coupe.

The Alfa Romeo Brera Italia Independent is distinguished by its titanium paint shade, 18" turbine-style dark alloys hiding red brake calipers and an aluminum fuel cap. Inside it's all carbon fiber, black leather and red top stitching, accented with Italia Independent logos.

The special edition is available with the 185-horsepower 2.2-liter four or 260-hp 3.2-liter V6, in front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive. Only 900 units will be sold in Europe, Japan and Australia, starting at €29,700 (the equivalent of about $41k USD) for the 2.2 and €38,850 ($57k) for the 3.2. Check out our gallery below for a closer view of this fashion-forward forbidden fruit.

Gallery: Alfa Romeo Brera Italia Independent

[Source: Alfa Romeo]

Alfa Romeo teams up with Italia Independent for special-edition Brera originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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(More) Pics Aplenty: VW plays up Scirocco R with new pics, details

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Volkswagen, UK

2010 VW Scirocco R -- Click above for high-res image gallery

The Volkswagen Scirocco R was recently introduced to the European motoring press, and all of its details have been delivered unto the people. The 2.0-liter, 265-horsepower front-wheel-drive hot hatch comes in two versions: six-speed manual and six-speed DSG, either of which will get you to 60 mph in six seconds or less.

The R is loaded with tech and mods: XDS electronic transverse differential lock to combat understeer, Dynamic Chassis Control for variable damping, Anti-Slip Regulation, and massive 17-inch brakes among other features. If that makes you want to see what one can do in the corners, VW's already found out: two slightly more powerful Sciroccos won the 2.0-liter turbo class at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring earlier this year.

There's an exhaustive press release after the jump that will tell you all about it, and a high-res gallery of photos below if you like your stories in pictures.

Gallery: 2010 Volkswagen Scirocco R

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading (More) Pics Aplenty: VW plays up Scirocco R with new pics, details

(More) Pics Aplenty: VW plays up Scirocco R with new pics, details originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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