Category: Auto Industry

2010 to be last season for Mustang Challenge racing series

Filed under: Motorsports, Ford, Racing

Ford Racing Mustang FR500S – Click above for high-res image gallery

It doesn’t seem too long ago that Ford launched the “poor man’s racer” FR500S Mustang and the Mustang Challenge Series at SEMA in 2007, and already it’s coming to an end. The series announced that the September race at Miller Motorsports Park will be the last, although the FR500S will still be sanctioned for various other racing series.

No specific reason was given for the ending of the series, but our best guess is that it was due more to the slow economy than a lack of enthusiasm. Everyone involved, from the drivers to the sponsors to Ford all seem sad that the Mustang Challenge will be ending.

“We are disappointed to not continue what we started with the Mustang Challenge,” said Series Director Lynda Randall. “But we should hold our heads high, as this was a tremendously successful program and we were fortunate to get to be a part of what really became a family.” You can read more about the series over at Mustang Challenge.com, or you can click through the high-res gallery of the FR500S below.

Gallery: Ford Racing Mustang FR500S

[Source: MustangChallenge.com via MustangBlog.com]

2010 to be last season for Mustang Challenge racing series originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Jul 2010 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “2010 to be last season for Mustang Challenge racing series”

2011 Kia Sportage to start at $18,295*

Filed under: Crossover, Kia

2011 Kia Sportage – Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2011 Kia Sportage is one great-looking crossover, and with a starting price of $18,295 (*$18,990 with destination) it’s rather affordable as well. Kia announced Tuesday that its longest running nameplate will start well below the $20,000 mark while sporting standard features like a six-speed manual transmission, air conditioning, power everything, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, MP3 inputs and Bluetooth connectivity.

At $20,295 ($20,990 with destination) the mid-level LX model adds outside mirrors with LED turn signal indicators, keyless entry and privacy glass. Another $3,000 ($23,990 with destination) adds 18-inch alloy wheels and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. Standard safety features include six airbags, four-wheel ABS and electronic stability control.

The Sportage appears to be a screaming deal – though it’s starting price is $1,300 higher than the outgoing model, it’s a much improved vehicle – and its 176-horsepower 2.4-liter will deliver an impressive 22 miles-per-gallon in city driving and 31 mpg on the highway. A far more powerful 270+ horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter Sportage variant will be available later in the model year. Hit the jump to read over Kia’s press release.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Kia Sportage

[Source: Kia]

Continue reading 2011 Kia Sportage to start at $18,295*

2011 Kia Sportage to start at $18,295* originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Jul 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “2011 Kia Sportage to start at $18,295*”

ICONIC Motors announces production of AC Roadster to start in 2011

Filed under: Classics, Convertible, Performance

2011 ICONIC Motors AC Roadster – Click above for high-res image gallery

Most small American supercar companies don’t seem to have the best of luck, which is why we were somewhat skeptical when we first heard of ICONIC Motors. The concept was impressive if not somewhat unbelievable – a lightweight roadster with an aluminum 6.9-liter V8 putting out 800 horsepower with design cues inspired by the legendary Shelby Cobra. The GTR, as it was then named, made its debut at the 2008 Amelia Island Concours, and we got our first look at the car at the New York Auto Show shortly thereafter.

We haven’t heard much from ICONIC since then, but apparently the company has been quite busy finalizing the production version that includes a few design changes from the original concept. In the last two years, ICONIC has also formed a partnership with AC Cars, and the car has officially been renamed the AC Roadster. ICONIC has scheduled a 2011 release date for customer cars and states that they currently taking orders. Follow the jump for full details in their latest press release.

Gallery: 2011 ICONIC Motors AC Roadster

[Source: ICONIC Motors]

Continue reading ICONIC Motors announces production of AC Roadster to start in 2011

ICONIC Motors announces production of AC Roadster to start in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Jul 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “ICONIC Motors announces production of AC Roadster to start in 2011”

Jay Leno a Chevy Volt intender? Umm… not so much

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Technology, Chevrolet, GM, Celebrities, Electric

2011 Chevrolet Volt – Click above for high-res image gallery

As America’s most recognizable celebrity car guy, you might expect that Jay Leno is anxious to put what might be America’s most recognizable and highly anticipated game-changing new car in decades in his Big Dog Garage. Apparently, you’d be wrong. The late night comedian spoke with The Detroit News about the upcoming extended-range electric car and, surprisingly enough, said he doesn’t plan to be one of the first in line to drive away in a 2011 Chevrolet Volt:

“If you didn’t know, you might think it’s a Cobalt or a Camry… I don’t think there’s a lot of cachet in having the first one. It’s meant to be a people mover, not a people impresser.”

If we’re all being honest with ourselves, Leno makes a fine point. For the generation of Americans who grew up on hot rods and muscle cars, the Chevrolet Volt is something of an appliance meant to be safe, efficient and environmentally friendly. Those aren’t exactly the kind of attributed that stir up the emotions of petrolheads. But that’s kinda the point.

As Leno himself points out of the Chevy Volt, “I think it’s great technology.” And it clearly is. In fact, it’s the likely future of automotive transportation. “There is a particular audience that is all about advanced technology and green transportation,” responded GM spokesperson Rob Peterson. “For people like that, the Volt has that cachet. It’s kind of like an iPhone. An iPhone is still a cell phone with a lot of capability in it.”

Perhaps that’s an apt comparison. Telephones and even mobile phones started out as appliances meant only to perform a basic function. Just as the iPhone revolutionized what the general public thought could be done with a phone, the Volt has the potential to revolutionize the kind of efficiency Americans have come to expect from their daily drivers… and it will certainly attract plenty of attention. With or without a glowing recommendation from Jay Leno.

Oh, and for what it’s worth, Leno says he’s excited about the Volt’s launch later this year and may in fact buy one. Just maybe not from the first batch, we surmise.

Gallery: 2011 Chevy Volt

[Source: The Detroit News]

Jay Leno a Chevy Volt intender? Umm… not so much originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Jul 2010 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Jay Leno a Chevy Volt intender? Umm… not so much”

AutoblogGreen for 07.21.10

Tesla Roadster owner wins vanity plate war with LOL OIL
Who’s laughing now?
 Jay Leno a Chevy Volt intender? Umm… not so much
He says, “It’s meant to be a people mover, not a people impresser.”
Honda CEO announces plans to sell plug-in hybrid, EV in U.S. and Japan beginning in 2012
Finally.		 Other news:

  • Business groups ask President Obama to set up electric vehicle task force
  • DOE estimates 100-mile automotive batteries will cost just $5,000 in 2020
  • Audi produces 10,000th TT TDI

AutoblogGreen for 07.21.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Jul 2010 05:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “AutoblogGreen for 07.21.10”

Ford hints at 400-HP Taurus SHO and more during annual convention

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Ford, Misc. Auto Shows

2010 Ford Taurus SHO Convention highlights – Click above for high-res image gallery

Blue Oval execs rolled out the red carpet for Taurus SHO owners last week in Dearborn, MI to welcome 100 privately owned examples and many more enthusiasts to town for the 19th annual national Taurus SHO convention. Ford would love nothing more than to win the approval of the already rabid SHO enthusiast community, many of whom appreciate the performance potential of two turbos and all-wheel drive but aren’t necessarily on board with the new super-sized model. To that end, Ford dropped some not-so-subtle hints on what could be in store for the next SHO, a model rumored to be on deck for 2013.

“365 horsepower is good. 400 is better.”

“The SHO is at the top [of Ford’s performance sedan lineup] and we’re going to keep it there,” said Steve Ling, Ford’s North American car marketing manager during a Tuesday lunch presentation at Ford World Headquarters. “365 horsepower is good. 400 is better.”

Advanced Engine Design and Development Engineer Brett Hinds spoke at length about the EcoBoost V6 during the Tuesday presentation, noting that the 3.5-liter engine had the potential for considerably more power, as we’ll likely see later this year between the fenders of the F-150. That version of the EcoBoost will definitely produce more torque than the SHO’s mill, but if the rumors of 400 horsepower for the F-150 are true, a more muscular SHO could indeed be just around the corner.

Gallery: 2010 Taurus SHO convention highlights

Photos by Christopher Smith / Copyright (C)2010 AOL

Continue reading Ford hints at 400-HP Taurus SHO and more during annual convention

Ford hints at 400-HP Taurus SHO and more during annual convention originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Ford hints at 400-HP Taurus SHO and more during annual convention”

Reader Submitted: Autoblog-themed Forza Motorsports McLaren MP4-12C and Cadillac CTS-V Coupe

Filed under: Etc., Technology, Cadillac, Toys/Games, Design/Style

Autoblog livery for Forza Motorsport 3 – Click above for high-res image gallery

This. Is. Awesome. Autoblog reader Jason L. over at Second Method Graphic Design has been so kind as to share a couple of skins he’s devised for both the Cadillac CTS-V Coupe and the McLaren MP4-12C in Forza Motorsports 3. Why do we care? Because these particular wraps are a tribute to a certain blog that obsessively covers the auto industry. Call us vain, but there’s something cool about seeing our logo slathered all down the sides of two very lust worthy pieces of metal, even if they only live in the virtual realm.

Maybe we should talk to Cadillac about getting into a long-term tester with a similar theme. Something tells us that McLaren would be somewhat less receptive. Leder says that you can purchase either of the two designs through his Forza storefront for a nominal fee. The guy also has a slew of other very attractive liveries in case you don’t feel like sporting your AB pride on your fenders. It’s fine, we won’t be offended. In fact, might we suggest The Simpsons-inspired Datsun 510 in Mr. Sparkle livery or the Ikea Saab 9-3?

Gallery: Autoblog Themed Skins for Forza Motorsports 3

[Source: Second Method]

Reader Submitted: Autoblog-themed Forza Motorsports McLaren MP4-12C and Cadillac CTS-V Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Reader Submitted: Autoblog-themed Forza Motorsports McLaren MP4-12C and Cadillac CTS-V Coupe”

Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 7.20.10

Review: 2010 Ural Patrol T takes a lickin’ and keeps on tickin’

For just the right kind of adventure-seeker looking to cover highways and dirt roads, the $12,399 Ural Patrol T is truly in a class of one.

Jeep to offer Trail Edition Camper as official Mopar accessory

What good is a vehicle capable of overlanding to the remotest parts of the planet if there’s no place to lay your head when you arrive at your for-the-night destination? Here’s a bit of good news for you world travelers: Jeep has just announced a new Trail Edition Camper that will be available as an official Mopar accessory from any Jeep dealership.

Autoblog Podcast #187 – Lamborghini rumors, Explorer economy, media plants, a sporty Leaf and premium Germans

Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid, Chris Paukert and Dan Roth are the crew for Episode #187 of the Autoblog Podcast.

Also of interest:

  • Video: Subaru’s new ads and their double-entendres
  • Toyota reportedly subpoenaed for steering rod documents
  • Volkswagen reconfirms EVs for 2013, next-generation vehicles to reduce weight
  • Mercedes-Benz’s all-conquering E63 AMG gets power bump, interior upgrades
  • Ferrari World Abu Dhabi renders its attractions
  • Automotive X-Prize: Finals Stage begins, Edison2 remains only team that can win mainstream class, $5 million

Browse our archive of Daily U-Turn posts or subscribe to the RSS feed

Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 7.20.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 7.20.10”

eBay Find of the Day: 1979 Lotus Esprit Turbo w/Buick Regal GNX power is inky hotness

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Performance, Auctions, Buick, Lotus, Luxury

1979 Lotus Esprit with Buick GNX turbo V6 – Click above for high-res image gallery

What happens when you’re head over heels for the lethal wedge styling and superb handling of the 1979 Lotus Esprit, but find yourself smitten with the all-out grunt of the turbo 3.8-liter V6 in the Buick GNX? If you’re the intrepid creator of the particular car you see above, you mate the two, forging your very own take on the Esprit Turbo. On paper, the mashup seems like a match made in the lofty spires of the Lotus engineering department. Whereas General Motors’ conservatively rated 276-horsepower six pot tended to suffer by being bolted into the heavy GNX platform, the lithe Esprit could have always used a bump in power over its smaller four-cylinder. At least one creative soul has opted for a sexier looking Yamaha SHO swap to solve the Esprit’s power woes, but we’re big fans of this particular recipe.

If your mouth is already watering at the thought of a mid-engine turbo V6 terror, we’re about to sweeten the deal. The car is currently for sale, and looks about as mint as mint can be. The engine bay is clean, the paint spotless and the attention to detail unmatched for a Frankenstein creation of this caliber. Perfection? Thy name just might be GNEsprit. The running bid is a shave over $16,000 at the time of writing with the reserve not met, so get to bidding. You just might take this sucker home. Thanks for the tip, Al!

Gallery: 1979 Lotus Esprit with Buick GNX turbo V6

[Source: eBay Motors]

eBay Find of the Day: 1979 Lotus Esprit Turbo w/Buick Regal GNX power is inky hotness originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “eBay Find of the Day: 1979 Lotus Esprit Turbo w/Buick Regal GNX power is inky hotness”

Ducati announces the EVO-lution of its middleweight 848 sportbike

Filed under: Motorcycle

2011 Ducati 848 EVO – Click above for high-res image gallery

At its very core, the Ducati brand has always been all about a race-bred pedigree, and now amongst a pack of formidable competitors, the Italian company seeks to emerge on top of the middleweight battle by having the fittest steed in the paddock. Meet the new 848 EVO sport bike, which boasts performance upgrades aplenty over the previous 848.

The heart of the new machine will beat to a faster tempo as a modified engine now churns out 140 horsepower and 72.3 pound-feet of twist before reaching its crescendo at 10,500 rpm. That’s up six ponies from the last 848.

All new cylinder heads, pistons, throttle bodies and camshafts wrapped in a blacked-out engine case are responsible for making the EVO the most powerful two-wheeler in its class. Were guessing the 369lb package will make easy work of a stoplight or starting grid launch with those specs. For those keeping track of such things, the 848 EVO’s power-to-weight ratio bests that of the best literbikes from a decade ago.

Continued evolution aimed at harnessing the beast comes in the form of all new single piece Brembo Monobloc calipers offering higher levels of rigidity to resist performance robbing distortion in those way-past-the-mark braking situations. Improved rider feel at the controls will not only be aided by the braking system but also a cross-mounted steering stabilizer. All of these performance and handling improvements are claimed to be a direct result of pro racing feedback, coupled with consumer demand.

Ducati’s EVO-ised middleweight will arrive as a 2011 model in North American dealerships as early as late August. One thing that will not be changed, however, will be the price of admission, which remains at $12,995 for an all new, and much more sinister looking, truly black Dark Edition, or $13,995 if your heart desires timeless Ducati Red. Hit the jump to view the full press release. Oh, and we’ll see if we can’t snag some live shots at the bike’s unveiling this weekend at the MotoGP race. Stay tuned!

Gallery: 2011 Ducati 848 EVO

[Source:Ducati]

Continue reading Ducati announces the EVO-lution of its middleweight 848 sportbike

Ducati announces the EVO-lution of its middleweight 848 sportbike originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Ducati announces the EVO-lution of its middleweight 848 sportbike”