2012 Archives | Page 14 of 30

NASCAR to get fuel injection for 2012; McLaren wins supply contract

Filed under: Motorsports, Technology, Racing

NASCAR at Daytona

If it’s good enough for Formula 1, it’s good enough for NASCAR. Heck, if it’s good enough for every single automobile sold in the United States for the past several decades, it’s good enough for NASCAR. What’s this newfangled techno-wizardry we’re talking about? Fuel injection.

For the first time since the series kicked off in 1947, the so-called stock cars that travel full-throttle around tracks all across America will abandon their carburetors in favor of an Enging Control Unit sourced from McLaren and a computer processor from Freescale. That tandem reportedly beat out eight rival bids.

According to NASCAR Vice President of Competition Robin Pemberton, “This is a positive step that will provide greater fuel efficiency and a greener footprint while maintaining the same great competition that we have seen on the race track.”

Fuel efficiency ought to go up, as will horsepower. Interestingly, NASCAR competitors like Ford and Toyota happy about the switch. “We think it’s very important that both the cars and the technology in NASCAR are more closely related to production cars. The move to fuel injection is another important step in that process,” said Jamie Allison, Director, Ford North America Motorsports.

NASCAR expects to have its fuel injection technology all sorted in time for the 2012 season opener, the Daytona 500.

[Source: National Speed Sport News, Fox Sports | Image: Reinhold Matay/AP]

NASCAR to get fuel injection for 2012; McLaren wins supply contract originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Feb 2011 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty: 2012 Nissan GT-R Egoist

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Nissan, Luxury

2012 nissan gt-r egoist

The 2012 Nissan GT-R Egoist has landed – Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2012 Nissan GT-R is already out destroying pavement and causing saliva stains on the t-shirts of slack-jawed enthusiasts. The engine produces 530 horsepower, the launch control system propels the car forward like a runaway bullet train and the styling continues to polarize those who stare at its lines. Now Nissan has prepared a more luxurious GT-R for the people and it’s called the Egoist.

All the details surrounding the GT-R Egoist have not yet materialized, but a plethora of pictures has made its way to the web. We know the interior will feature upgraded leather and carbon fiber materials and that a multitude of additional color choices will be available. No word yet on the cost for this super luxury coupe.

If you’re a potential buyer of the Nissan GT-R Egoist, stop staring at yourself in your Rinceaux full-length mirror and check out the gallery of your future ride. If you can’t find the scratch for the 2012 Nissan GT-R Egoist, you can still click through the gallery and enjoy the opulence.

Gallery: Nissan GT-R Egoist

Nissan GT-R Egoist

[Source: Nissan]

Pics Aplenty: 2012 Nissan GT-R Egoist originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Feb 2011 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 details emerge

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Performance, SUV, Jeep, Rumormill

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee – Click above for high-res image gallery

The last Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 was one heck of a muscle truck, but it was somewhat encumbered by being based on the last Grand Cherokee. The new model, however, is a different beast entirely, billed as the kind of vehicle that could help turn Chrysler’s fortunes around. So what’s next? The new Grand Cherokee SRT8, of course. And rumormill reports of its specifications are beginning to pour in.

According to insiders, the new GC SRT8 will bow at the upcoming New York Auto Show in April. And when it does, it is expected to pack the new 6.4-liter Hemi V8 with around 470 horsepower and just as much torque. That’ll be mated, according to the rumors, to a five-speed automatic equipped with paddle shifters – an SRT first. Couple that to a new adaptive damping suspension, 14-inch Brembo brakes and 20-inch alloys wearing Pirelli rubber and you can start to see where Chrysler’s Italian cousins are starting to pitch in. Heck, Chrysler is even said to be working on boosting the towing capacity, so the next SRT8 should be a more well-rounded vehicle to live with, as well. Thanks to all for the tips!

Gallery: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

[Source: WK2Jeeps.com]

Rumormill: 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 details emerge originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Feb 2011 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2011: Shelby adds new colors, convertible option to the GT350 for 2012

Filed under: Aftermarket, Chicago Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Ford

2012 Shelby GT350 Convertible

2012 Shelby GT350 Convertible – Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2011 Shelby GT350 followed nearly the same philosophy as the Ford Model T. You could get it in any color you want as long as it was white with blue stripes. That’s changing for 2012, as Shelby will also be offering the GT350 in Race Red and Kona Blue. A convertible option will be available, as well. In fact, this is the first time Shelby has built a drop-top GT350 since 1970.

The 2012 GT350 will offer up identical performance as the 2011 model, although one could argue that it didn’t need an upgrade in the first place. Customers can choose between the 430-horsepower base model or opt for either 525- or 624-horsepower versions. Additional upgrades include a full body kit, Cragar wheels, larger brakes, sport suspension and more. The convertible also comes with the option of a light bar. You can read full details about the 2012 Shelby GT350 after the jump, and check out our live photos from the show floor in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2012 Shelby GT350 Convertible

2012 Shelby GT350 Convertible

Gallery: 2012 Shelby GT350

2012 Shelby GT350

[Source: Shelby]

Continue reading Chicago 2011: Shelby adds new colors, convertible option to the GT350 for 2012

Chicago 2011: Shelby adds new colors, convertible option to the GT350 for 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2012 Mini Coupe nears production

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Spy Photos, Coupe, Mini

2012 Mini Coupe

2012 Mini Coupe – Click above for high-res image gallery

The Mini Coupe is set to go on sale this Fall and that means testing of the hatchless Cooper has begun in earnest. Caught by our spies running around outside BMW headquarters in Germany, the 2012 Mini Coupe uses the Bavarians’ standard psychedelic camo, but it wasn’t able to hide a new retractable spoiler nestled within the trunk – something that wasn’t fitted to concept shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2009.

2012 Mini Cooper Coupe spy shot Power should come from Mini’s entire range of naturally aspirated and turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder mills, although our spies contend that the prototype you see here is a Works model, evidenced by the upgraded brakes that barely fit inside the wheels and red calipers fore and aft. We suspect the production version will make an appearance in Frankfurt this autumn, with sales beginning in Europe and the U.S. before the end of the year.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 Mini Coupe

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: 2012 Mini Coupe nears production originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 16:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2011: 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 is a 465-horsepower family sedan

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Sedan, Performance, Dodge

2012 Dodge Charger SRT8

2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 – Click above for high-res image gallery

We’re still wrapping our heads around the appearance of the new 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8, but we don’t need even a second thought regarding its performance specifications. Just about anything sporting a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 putting out 465 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque will find a welcome bay in our garages, and this Charger is no exception.

Yes, the five-speed automatic is a bit of a disappointment in this day and age, but something tells us a few 12-second trips down the good ol’ 1320 ought to ease that bit of pain, as would an autobahn blast at the Charger SRT8’s 175 miles per hour top speed. If those tantalizing little tidbits are enough to whet your appetite for more, we highly suggest you click here to read the rest of the impressive specifications.

Naturally, you’ll want to take a nice, long gander at the live photos from the 2011 Chicago Auto Show in our high-res image gallery below.

Gallery: 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8: Chicago 2011

2012 Dodge Charger SRT8

Gallery: 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8

2012 Dodge Charger SRT8

Chicago 2011: 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 is a 465-horsepower family sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2011: 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI starts at $23,495

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Sedan, Performance, Volkswagen

2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI – Click above for high-res image gallery

Volkswagen has brought its latest iteration of the new-for-2011 Jetta – the turbocharged GLI – to this year’s Chicago Auto Show, and we’re quickly falling in love with the Autobahn-ready VW. The Jetta’s already handsome (if decidedly sedate) looks are emphasized by larger 18-inch alloy wheels, a more aggressive front fascia and smoked taillamps, and when the whole package is painted in pull-me-over red, we can’t help but daydream about whipping the new Jetta GLI around our favorite set of twisty backroads.

The Jetta GLI appears eager to perform, too. Under the hood is Volkswagen’s turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four, rated at 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. Both a manual and dual-clutch transmission are available, the latter of which allows the Jetta GLI to achieve up to 32 miles per gallon on the highway. Not bad.

The big change, of course, is that the GLI will benefit from a more sophisticated independent rear suspension than the standard Jetta, and VW has ported over its XDS cross differential technology from the GTI.

Look for the 2012 Jetta GLI to go on sale later this year, priced from $23,495. Check it out for yourself in our high-res gallery of live shots below.

Gallery: 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI: Chicago 2011

2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

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Chicago 2011: 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI starts at $23,495 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2011: 2012 Hyundai Genesis R-Spec Sedan rolls with a 5.0

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Sedan, Performance, Hyundai

2012 Hyundai Genesis R-Spec sedan – Click above for high-res image gallery

The current Hyundai Genesis 4.6 sedan, with its 385 horsepower V8, is hardly a slouch. In fact, according to most road tests, the luxury four-door reportedly hits 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds. In an effort to raise the vehicle’s performance bar and snuff out those who have complained about the four-door’s lack of “sport,” Hyundai has pulled the covers of its new 2012 Genesis R-Spec sedan.

Under the hood is a new 5.0-liter V8. The engine – the most powerful Hyundai has ever fitted to a street vehicle – is rated at 429 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque. Mated to a standard eight-speed automatic (with manual shift mode), the new powertrain should shave more than a few tenths off its sprint… and go some way toward adding the ‘sport’ prefix in front of ‘sedan.’

Other performance goodies backing up the new engine include unique R-Spec transmission tuning, suspension upgrades, larger brakes and recalibrated sport steering. Wheels have been bumped up to 19-inch alloys wearing 235/45R19 tires (sticky Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 Summer Tires are optional). Cosmetically, the sport sedan is differentiated by dark chrome headlight inserts, and new badging inside and out. The Genesis R-Spec sedan will be offered in Black Noir, Titanium Gray, and Platinum Metallic exterior paint, with black leather inside as standard-fit.

Gallery: 2012 Hyundai Genesis Sedan R-Spec: Chicago 2011

Chicago 2011: 2012 Hyundai Genesis R-Spec Sedan rolls with a 5.0 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 14:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2011: 2012 Acura TL is the face of change… at least a little bit

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Sedan, Acura, Luxury

2011 Acura TL

2011 Acura TL – Click above for high-res image gallery

Acura has yanked the sheets off of the latest take on its bread-and-butter TL at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show. In the face of much criticism, the Japanese automaker’s stylists have set about taking some of the edge off of the sedan’s styling with a fresh front fascia that goes some way toward making the vehicle look more like a car and less like Picaso’s interpretation of one. The 2012 TL now wears shorter overhangs both front and rear, and the new look includes shedding the chrome trim from around the rear taillamps for a look that’s altogether more appetizing than the previous iteration.

A few changes have cropped up under the hood as well. Acura engineers managed to cut engine friction to increase fuel economy, and a new six-speed automatic transmission helps bump the final figures to 20 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. That’s an increase of three mpg highway over the five-speed automatic-equipped 2010 model. Fans of the third pedal need not fret, though. Acura says that buyers will still be able to snag their 2012 TL SH-AWD with the same six-speed manual setup that’s currently available.

Inside, TL Advance trim now comes with a blind-spot awareness system and ventilated heated and cooled seats, while the TL Tech boasts a 60-gig hard-drive based navigation and entertainment system. Hit the jump for the full press blast.

Gallery: Chicago 2011: 2012 Acura TL

Continue reading Chicago 2011: 2012 Acura TL is the face of change… at least a little bit

Chicago 2011: 2012 Acura TL is the face of change… at least a little bit originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 13:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Acura TL softens skin, sharpens claws in Chicago

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Sedan, Acura

2012 Acura TL

2012 Acura TL – Click above for high-res image

Let’s be honest – the Acura TL isn’t exactly a pretty car. And while the vast majority of the automotive media and enthusiast forums immediately lashed out at the TL’s angular design, we were nothing short of pleased with its luxurious, high-tech interior and solid driving dynamics – especially the six-speed manual-equipped SH-AWD. For the 2012 model year, Acura has softened some of the car’s harsh lines, and while the automaker tells us that both the front and rear fascias are “all-new,” there’s no mistaking this sedan for anything but a TL.

Because this is merely a modest mid-cycle refresh, the TL’s powertrain hasn’t been completely overhauled. Both the 3.5- and 3.7-liter V6s are still on hand, though a new six-speed automatic transmission helps improve performance and fuel economy. A new set of 19-inch all-season tires are available on SH-AWD models in an effort to improve performance on snow and ice, fitted to an updated set of alloy wheels.

Inside, Acura has made substantial improvements to reduce wind and road noise, and the HDD navigation system has been upgraded to 60 gigabytes for improved music storage. What’s more, a new Advance Package nets customers things like a blind spot information system and cooled front seats. Look for the 2012 TL to hit dealerships later this year. Follow the jump for the official press release.

Gallery: 2012 Acura TL

2012 Acura TL

[Source: Acura]

Continue reading 2012 Acura TL softens skin, sharpens claws in Chicago

2012 Acura TL softens skin, sharpens claws in Chicago originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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