Category: Auto Industry

Report: Audi readying 650-hp Sport Quattro Concept for Frankfurt

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Audi, Luxury

Audi Quattro Coupe Concept - front three-quarter view

Remember Audi’s perfectly lovely Quattro Concept from the 2010 Paris Motor Show? Of course you do. The latter-day Ur-Quattro is laser-etched in our brains as well – and not just because Audi was kind enough to offer our man Michael Harley a mountain drive of its seven-figure showcar. At the time, Audi hinted that the coupe might have a showroom future, but the gossip pipeline has long since gone dry, leading us to believe that the car’s production hopes had soured.

That 2010 concept was powered by a 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine yielding 380 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, a relatively modest but appropriate engine configuration in light of the Ur-Quattro’s five-banger. Given the Quattro Concept’s size and specs, it wasn’t clear exactly where such a vehicle might fit into the company’s lineup, though, as it already already offers the successful A5/S5/RS5 lineup.

Apparently, Audi might have a solution to that conundrum. A new report from Germany’s AutoZeitung suggest that the automaker is posed to reveal a production version of the concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September – on the Ur-Quattro’s 30th anniversary, no less. Word is that Audi is taking the Quattro Concept upmarket in a big way, with a tuned version of the twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 from the RS7 churning up in the neighborhood of 650 horsepower. Naturally, all-wheel drive will get all that power to the ground, and new bodywork is expected as well. In addition to the powertrain switch-up, there is talk of extensive use of lightweight materials, including magnesium, carbon fiber and aluminum, with a target weight of under 2,900 pounds. Magnetic ride control suspension and carbon-ceramic brakes are also expected to find their way onto the model. Unsurprisingly, all of that extra equipment is likely to impact the car’s bottom line – reports suggest its sticker price could crowd that of the mighty R8 at around $150,000.

Audi readying 650-hp Sport Quattro Concept for Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Jun 2013 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: Volvo joins Australia’s V8 Supercars series [w/video]

Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Videos, Volvo, Australia, Racing

Volvo S60 Polestar V8 Supercars teaser - video screencap

It was just a rumor, but now it’s official, mates: Volvo will be joining the V8 Supercars series in Australia with an official team for 2014. Volvo is partnering with Garry Rogers Motorsport and its own Polestar tuning firm to create Volvo Polestar Racing.

A V8 engine will be produced by the Swedish arm of the racing effort, and will be supplied to the Garry Rogers team, which will get the whole shebang ready for the track. The outfit will be running two V8 Supercars “based on the production S60 road car.” Considering that the S60 uses a range of transversely mounted engines with four, five or six cylinders (powering either the front or all four wheels) while the new race car will employ a V8 sending about 650 horsepower to the rear wheels, make that very loosely based on the production S60…

Volvo claims this is the first factory-backed entry in the V8 Supercars series from a luxury brand. We should note, though, that Mercedes-Benz is represented in the series with an E-Class sedan, but that outfit isn’t quite an official entry from the car’s German parents. In any case, you’re encouraged to watch the teaser video and read the press release below for all the details.

Continue reading Volvo joins Australia’s V8 Supercars series [w/video]

Volvo joins Australia’s V8 Supercars series [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Jun 2013 15:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: SRT gets first standalone ad campaign

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Chrysler, Dodge, SRT

2014 srt viper in carwash

SRT has more models on offer than Chrysler. It has as many models as Ram, with hotted-up versions of the Dodge Charger and Challenger, Chrysler 300, and Jeep Grand Cherokee, plus the exclusive SRT Viper. Dodge is still the top of the choice heap, but SRT wants to wave its freak flag high after building its roster somewhat quietly. Since SRT can’t roar through everyone’s neighborhood, it’s taking to television with its first-ever advertising campaign.

You may have already been lucky enough to catch one of the Body and Soul spots that launched on June 8 on cable. There are 30-, 60- and 90-second versions of the commercial, and a web-only full version that clocks in at 2:15. It’s a nice piece of evocative writing by David Morring, who served as Creative Director for agency The Richards Group.

“We wanted to infuse our first-ever SRT creative campaign with grit, beauty, longing, desire and nostalgia,” said Olivier Francois, Chrysler’s Chief Marketing Officer. SRT President and CEO Ralph Gilles also weighed in about the campaign, saying “it’s the feeling of when you get behind the wheel and step on the throttle for the first time and feel the power of the engine. It’s that feeling and legacy that Chrysler Group has forged with owners and ther vehicles over the last cetury; something that SRT brand is creating with a new set of consumers for the first time.” Keep reading to check out the spots for yourself, read the press release, and see if they nailed it.

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SRT gets first standalone ad campaign originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: 2014 Audi SQ5 priced from $51,900* [w/video]

Filed under: Car Buying, Performance, Videos, Crossover, Audi, Luxury

2014 Audi SQ5 - front three-quarter view

Despite the fact that the 2014 Audi SQ5 you see here is quite a bit different than the one offered in Europe, we’re still plenty glad that the folks from Ingolstadt have decided to offer a hotted-up version of its compact Q5 crossover here in the States. Now, Audi has announced that its US-spec SQ5 will be priced from $51,900 when it hits dealerships later this summer (*not including $895 for destination). That strikes us as a pretty favorable price – while the base Q5 in 2.0-liter TFSI trim starts at $35,900, the 3.0-liter Prestige model commands a full $51,400, and somehow manages to feel worth it.

We already enjoy driving the Q5 in its standard tune, and this SQ5 looks to be quite an entertaining thing. Audi has tuned its 3.0-liter supercharged V6 to produce 354 horsepower and 347 pound-feet of torque – gains of 82 hp and 52 lb-ft over the standard 3.0L Q5. No, it’s not the awesome 313 hp and 479 lb-ft of the twin-turbo-diesel engine used in Europe, but our American SQ5 will certainly be a quick little thing. Audi is estimating a 0-60 time of 5.1 seconds, on its way to a limited top speed of 155 miles per hour.

Like all S models, the SQ5 will be a bit different visually than its basic Q5 kin. Aluminum roof rails are standard, as are 20-inch wheels (21s are available). There are revised bumpers at the front and rear, with Audi’s usual gray grille and diffuser, as well as aluminum mirror caps. Inside, leather- and Alcantara-clad sport seats are standard, though buyers can opt for a fine Nappa leather setup. Audi says that new aluminum/black wood inlays are also available, as is a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.

Have a look below to check out an official walkaround video from the model’s Detroit Auto Show reveal, and to see the official press release.

Continue reading 2014 Audi SQ5 priced from $51,900* [w/video]

2014 Audi SQ5 priced from $51,900* [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: MyFord Touch getting buttons and knobs back to counter criticisms

Filed under: Technology, Ford, Lincoln, Infotainment

MyFord Touch infotainment system controls with screen

Ford deserves credit for being a front-runner in offering advanced infotainment technology with its Sync and MyFord Touch systems, but continued consumer complaints over its confusing touchscreen interface and capacitive controls has made the automaker relent. The Wall Street Journal reports that physical buttons and knobs for controlling tuning and volume will be coming back to Ford vehicles equipped with the controversial infotainment system.

The 2013 F-150 with MyFord Touch gives us a glimpse of what the new layout with buttons and knobs might look like, as Ford says a similar balance of touch screen capability and buttons/knobs are what’s being planned for future models. And, while capacitive controls have no fans in the halls of Autoblog, many of Ford’s models with MyFord Touch do have a large physical knob for adjusting volume with integrated buttons for tuning and advancing tracks, though most of those are models with the optional upgraded Sony Audio system. Lincoln models with MyLincoln Touch, however, feature only capacitive controls for all stereo and climate functions.

Despite receiving enough complaints to throw buttons and knobs back into the mix (a move that reminds us of BMW’s iDrive trajectory, among others), Ford reports that Sync and MyFord Touch have still been sold on 79 percent of its 2013 model year vehicles, a number it claims is double the rate that Honda and Toyota are getting for their infotainment systems. Ford also states that owners who do opt for the duo of technologies are more satisfied with overall vehicle quality than those who don’t have it.

While Ford’s own numbers may show high rates of satisfaction, other surveys, specifically the J.D. Power & Associates Initial Quality Study, have taken a hit in recent years on account of new owners reacting to MyFord Touch and its buttonless capacitive controls. Ford’s ranking in the IQS plummeted to below average in 2011 after the system’s debut, which prompted a significant update for MyFord Touch the following year that fixed bugs, improved the user interface and improved the voice recognition. Nevertheless, Ford still ranked below average in the 2012 IQS survey, and today’s news of physical buttons and knobs returning to the center stack comes just two days before the release of results for J.D. Power’s 2013 IQS. Another system update will be released the summer, and Ford has increased warranties for all models equipped with the system.

Continue reading MyFord Touch getting buttons and knobs back to counter criticisms

MyFord Touch getting buttons and knobs back to counter criticisms originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Jun 2013 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Liverpool tourist duck boat sinks, rescues caught on video

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Safety, Videos, UK, Specialty

Duck boat sinking in Liverpool - video screencap

Visit just about any major city on the water, and you’re sure to find duck boats taking tourists out for a different view of the city. The safety of these land and sea vehicles have been questioned following some high-profile accidents including a fatal collision with a barge in Philadelphia back in 2010. Over the weekend, a duck boat in Liverpool, England sank just after entering the water. Fortunately, all 31 passengers managed to escape without serious injury, though 17 passengers were taken to the hospital for treatment.

A man was able to capture the boat sinking on video, but he obviously failed to realize the severity of the situation as he laughs while passengers jump into the frigid water. Fortunately, a nearby boat quickly sprung to action and showed up on scene just as the amphibious vehicle was fully submerged. The Herald Scotland reports that the company that owned this particular duck boat also had another vessel sink back in March with no passengers aboard. After that incident, the company’s fleet of duck boats was ordered to stay out of the water, but it isn’t clear what (if anything) changed before this latest accident occurred. Scroll down for some videos of the incident including a news report, first-hand amateur video and another video that allegedly shows this very boat struggling to get out of the water in the past.

Continue reading Liverpool tourist duck boat sinks, rescues caught on video

Liverpool tourist duck boat sinks, rescues caught on video originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Jun 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2014 Aston Martin Vanquish

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Aston Martin, New Car Reviews, Luxury

Squirrelling Away In Motown With British Royalty

2014 Aston Martin Vanquish - front three-quarter view

As far as unexpected encounters with wild animals go, squirrels don’t normally rate. The furry little nut-smugglers are omnipresent fixtures in my neck of the woods – literally – so a chance meeting doesn’t warrant caution the way a bear or even an ornery raccoon might. But one’s list of priorities can’t help but change a bit at 175 miles per hour. That was exactly the case when I drove this Aston Martin’s predecessor, the DBS, a few years ago.

I was hammering around a closed course – Ford’s Romeo proving grounds – on the company’s high-banked 5-mile long track, 25 mph shy of the double ton, when a little red dot appeared on the surface of the track, far up the straight. It was a squirrel, which, lacking the good sense not to be on the track at that particular moment, was at least smart enough to flatten itself into a pancake (perhaps it heard the Aston’s mighty V12 closing in). I prayed it wouldn’t dart from its adjacent lane into mine, because at my closing speed, I figured I wouldn’t have time to retaliate. Naturally, the kamikaze rodent skittered on its stomach directly into my trajectory at the last minute, leaving me no choice but to issue a critical hair’s breadth correction at the wheel. Roadkill manufacturing is normally a momentary wince-inducing affair – a grimace, a quick appeal for the universe’s forgiveness – and then on with one’s day. Yet in a car as low as an Aston Martin, at the velocity I was traveling, a bit of fur flying and battered karma would’ve been the least of my concerns.

The squirrel, the DBS and I all survived to fight another day, and that 175-mph run still stands as my own personal v-max. The Aston’s high-speed stability and steering saved my bacon that morning, but in truth, I wasn’t that impressed with the car overall. So it was with some consternation that I took possession of this 2014 Aston Martin Vanquish, its replacement killer.

Continue reading 2014 Aston Martin Vanquish

2014 Aston Martin Vanquish originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Jun 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: Mosler acquired by Rossion, name being retired

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Earnings/Financials

Mosler is one of the most interesting upstart automakers to have survived the 1980s and ’90s. Its Consulier GTP was ugly, but effective, and able to out-lap more powerful cars with its tiny turbocharged 2.2-liter engine from Chrysler. The company, founded by its namesake Warren Mosler, has persevered for 28 years since its founding in 1985, its latest and last vehicle being the MT900 supercar. We have news, however, that its independent streak has ended: Mosler has been acquired by RP High Performance, the private entity that also owns Rossion.

You may remember Rossion as the company formerly named 1G Racing, which got its start as the sole importer and distributor of British-built Noble supercars. It eventually bought the rights to produce its own version of the Noble M400 and M12, which it called the Rossion Q1.

The announcement of Mosler’s acquisition on Rossion’s website doesn’t give many details, but does confirm that the latter’s co-owner, Ian Grunes, will be President of the new company, and that all assets of both companies will be combined. Henceforth, however, the Mosler name will no longer be used and all new cars will carry the Rossion name. As to which new cars are on their way, Rossion only says they will be in 4-, 6- and 8-cylinder configurations, and make extensive use of Mosler’s expertise in lightweight composites.

Continue reading Mosler acquired by Rossion, name being retired

Mosler acquired by Rossion, name being retired originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Jun 2013 11:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Internal documents show Fisker lost $35,000 on each Karma

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Fisker

Fisker Karma

Anyone looking for a chilling plug-in vehicle warning tale should check out this detailed Reuters article, which digs into the financial history of Fisker Automotive and reveals that the company lost around $35,000 per vehicle.

That number comes from “internal financial statements and interviews with former Fisker executives,” Reuters reports, quoting a former executive saying the luxury plug-in hybrid, “cost far more to produce than we could ever charge for it.” All told, between 2008 and 2012, Reuters estimates Fisker lost $1 billion.

The losses were due, in part, to those many production delays two to three years ago as well as a reduction in the number of cars it was going to make and sell. Remember when the company said it would sell 15,000 units a year? Eventually, the company sold around 2,000 vehicles, total.

There is a lot worth reading in the source article, including how the Karma’s forward-placed exhaust – which hurt the vehicle’s performance and was too loud – was fixed using a metal “pizza box” that cost millions extra. Throw in salaries of around $600,000-$700,000 for co-founders Henrik Fisker and Barny Koehler, even while Fisker was laying people off, and you have a recipe for not succeeding. Here’s a taste of what Reuters has to offer:

In May 2011, the company co-sponsored a pre-race grand prix party aboard a 146-foot yacht moored in the Monte Carlo harbor. Guests drank glasses of champagne served with flecks of gold. Clad in a dark pinstripe suit and open-neck white shirt, Henrik Fisker navigated a crowd that included Prince Albert of Monaco, whom he described as the inspiration for the Karma. … The Monaco weekend, according to several sources familiar with the event, cost Fisker between $80,000 and $100,000. That wasn’t lavish by auto-marketing standards, but by this point every penny mattered. Within weeks, the Energy Department stopped payments on its loan.

You can read the whole thing here.

Internal documents show Fisker lost $35,000 on each Karma originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 17 Jun 2013 10:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: 2014 Audi R8 GT zooming toward Le Mans reveal

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Audi, Rumormill, Luxury

2014 Audi R8 GT spy shot - front three-quarter view

According to a report from Autocar in the UK, the Audi R8 is set to get something of a swan song for its own going-away party in the form of an updated GT model for the 2014 model year. If Autocar is right, this even higher-performance Audi R8 will debut at the upcoming 24 Hours of Le Mans race in France.

The 2014 Audi R8 GT Plus will reportedly get a tuned version of the much-loved 5.2-liter V10 engine that Audi has used to good effect in past R8 models. A six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic would send power to the rear wheels, enabling a 3.4-second 0-62 mile per hour run and a top speed of 199 mph.

Judging from spy shots that we’ve already seen (reprised above), the new GT Plus will be fitted with an aggressive body kit that includes a massive rear wing, a more prominent front splitter and enlarged side blade ducts. A Spyder version of the GT Plus may be on tap for 2015. Pricing, obviously, is unknown, as is any potential launch date. In other words… stay tuned.

2014 Audi R8 GT zooming toward Le Mans reveal originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Jun 2013 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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