2012 Archives | Page 29 of 30

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302: First live photos!

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Ford

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 live

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Live Unveiling _ Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2012 Mustang Boss 302 was unveiled this morning at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, and we were at the track bright and early to see it take a lap around the famous race course. Due to some early morning rain, the lap actually never happened (we weren’t told and were up at the corkscrew for about an hour waiting in the rain), but we managed to make it down to the pits to catch our first glimpse at the car.

We’ll spare you going over the details again – you can see the official press release, photos and video from our post this morning – but what we can bring you are the first live photos of the Mustang Boss 302, including a few of the “Laguna Seca” edition. Enjoy!

Gallery: 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Live Unveiling

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302: First live photos! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Aug 2010 12:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: 2012 Porsche 911 to look strangely familiar

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Porsche

If ever there were a single car that could be said to embody the Japanese concept of “kaizen”, or continuous improvement, it is the Porsche 911. Over its nearly half-century run, the range-topping sportscar from Porsche has been in a state of continual evolution, and with the possible exception of the 1998 transition from the air-cooled 993 models to the water-cooled 996, it would be hard to argue that any of the variants were truly all-new.

Nonetheless, a heavily reworked 911 is expected to be launched next year as a 2012 model that will still be instantly recognizable as a 911. Autocar is reporting that the new car will continue to share its front structure with the new Boxster, but the multi-link rear suspension will be revised and the rear-engined machine will get longer overall.

Like so many other modern cars, the face of the new 911 will likely incorporate a row of LEDs to function as daytime running lamps while the mirrors move back from the A-pillars to the doors. Despite the racing debut of the 911 GT3R hybrid this year, a similar setup for the road car still seems to be a ways off. The first hybrid 911 we see for the road will likely be a mild adaptation of the system in the Cayenne Hybrid with a smaller motor and lithium ion battery similar to the one used in the Mercedes-Benz S400.

[Source: Autocar]

Rendered Speculation: 2012 Porsche 911 to look strangely familiar originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Aug 2010 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 spied with 6.4L Hemi V8 underhood

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, SUV, Jeep

The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee – the pride and joy of Chrysler at the moment – is just now hitting dealerships, but the automaker is already hard at work on a high-powered SRT-fettled version of its new sport ‘ute. In the past, the Grand Cherokee SRT8 has always been a guilty pleasure of ours, if only for the rocket-like 6.1-liter Hemi V8 underhood.

Good news then that Chrysler is prepping an all new 6.4-liter Hemi for use in its SRT products, and we’re anxious to see how this new engine works in the Grand Cherokee application, which seems likely to hit as a 2012 model.

Early reports suggested that it could be good for around 450 horsepower, but spy photographers are saying that we could see over 500 raging stallions coming out of this new monster mill. This means the new Grand Cherokee SRT8 could rip off 0-60 times in under five seconds, and we might have a truly worthy American competitor for the Porsche Cayenne Turbo, AMG-badged Mercedes-Benz ML and BMW X5 M. Here’s hoping.

[Source: Left Lane News]

Spy Shots: 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 spied with 6.4L Hemi V8 underhood originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Aug 2010 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2012 BMW 1 Series three-door caught in Munich

Filed under: Spy Photos, Europe, Hatchback, BMW

2012 BMW 1 Series hatchback spy shots

2012 BMW 1 Series three-door – Click above for high-res image gallery

The next-generation BMW 1 Series three-door has been spotted again, this time on the streets of its hometown in Munich, Germany. Despite the swirlies covering all its details, it’s clear that the basic shape, size and proportions of the new iteration aren’t going to change much from the current model, which has never been offered in North America. We Yanks have only had the fortune of sampling the 1 Series in coupe and convertible form, though no one’s complaining.

The headlamp clusters on this three-door 1 Series prototype appear to be sloped back and stretched along the top of the fender line like those on the new 5 Series. Similarly, the wider grille has been pushed forward to be flush with the bumper line below it. The profile shot also indicates that the hood now features the increasingly familiar clam-shell with side cut-lines and a higher arc to provide improved pedestrian protection.

Judging by the hood-to-cabin proportion of this prototype, it’s also safe to say that the next 1 Series has not been converted to front-wheel drive (even though 80 percent of owners already think it is FWD) as BMW has indicated it might do with future smaller models. We expect the new 1 Series will debut sometime next year as a 2012 model, and until that time we have the high-performance 1 Series M Coupe to look forward to.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 BMW 1 Series hatchback

2012 BMW 1 Series hatchback spy shot

[Source: Carpix]

Spy Shots: 2012 BMW 1 Series three-door caught in Munich originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Aug 2010 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2012 Chrysler 300 is more than a nosejob

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Chrysler

The next Chrysler 300 – Click above for high-res image gallery

The next Chrysler 300 has had some chiseling and wedging applied to its current stoic proportions. The perfectly horizontal shoulder line now sweeps up from a lower front end into a shorter decklid. The nearly perpendicular front and rear on the 2010 have also been reshaped, particularly in the rear. Detail-wise, only the mirrors appear to have carried over, with what looks like new headlight hardware in an angled design, LED taillights in back, an integrated exhaust treatment and new rear window glass. Get a closer look in the gallery of high-res photos below while we wait to see what magic has been done to the inside…

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 Chrysler 300

2012 Chrysler 300 Spy Shot

Spy Shots: 2012 Chrysler 300 is more than a nosejob originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Aug 2010 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Buick Verano compact coming in 2012

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Buick, Rumormill, Luxury

Chinese-market Buicke Excelle – Click above for high-res image gallery

As July’s By The Numbers showed us, American buyers are quick to forget the pain of having to fill up a full-size pickup or SUV when gas prices are in the $4-per-gallon range. Without the guiding hand of Uncle Sam pushing the car-buying public towards smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles, consumers are all about being large and in charge in the passing lane. But According to Automotive News, General Motors is keen to the fact that fuel won’t stay cheap forever, and to prepare for a returning tide of buyers rushing to small cars when oil goes sky high again, the company is planning a more diminutive product lineup.

If the Automotive News article is on its mark, we can expect to see a new compact Buick called the Verano as well as a hybrid version of the Lacrosse. There’s no telling exactly which architecture the baby Buick will use for its bones, but the Chevrolet Cruze wouldn’t be a bad bet in our eyes. Likewise, GMC will see the introduction of a production version of the Granite concept and Chevrolet should have the all-new Aveo join its ranks along with the Spark city car. Automotive News even says that The General is planning to shrink the Impala. Sounds good to us, but when it comes to Buick, these small-car rumors crop up nearly every year.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Buick Excelle in China

[Source: Automotive News]

Report: Buick Verano compact coming in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Aug 2010 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IndyCar offers fans a chance to design 2012 aero kits

Filed under: Motorsports, Design/Style

2012 IndyCar Concepts – Click above for high-res image gallery

The Indy Racing League announced a “new”chassis for the 2012 season, but left open the possibility for other companies to design the “clothes” that chassis will wear. The hope was that some new names will enter the running if the teams only have to spend development dollars on the aero bits rather than designing and building a whole car. So far names like Boeing, Honda and Lotus have been mentioned, but there could be dozens of entries by the time the 2012 season starts. Would you like to add your own name to that list? The IRL has posted several renderings of the new Indy Safety Cell and is allowing you to post your designs in a gallery for all the world to see. The top design could make some hitherto unknown graphic artist famous.

You can click over to the IndyCar website to get more details or check out our gallery to download the renderings and get started on your 2012 IndyCar. The basic chassis will still be built by Dallara, which is going to open a new plant right alongside the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It will be sold to teams for a fraction of what the current chassis costs, but the teams will also have to buy a new engine and bodywork to complete the package. The whole setup will still cost teams far less than in the past, with the hopes that more businesses will find it affordable to enter the 2012 IRL championship… and save open-wheel U.S. racing in the process.

Gallery: 2012 IndyCar aero kit concepts

[Source: Indy Racing League]

IndyCar offers fans a chance to design 2012 aero kits originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Aug 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM will increase Volt production by 50% – to 45,000 units – in 2012

President Obama toured the General Motors’ Detroit-Hamtramck facility where the automaker will build (can we say “is building” yet?) the Chevrolet Volt today, and as any good PR person will surely agree, you can’t let an opportunity like that go by without making an announcement of some sort. So, GM has something to say and it’s big news, too: GM will increase Volt production capacity by 50 percent in 2012.

Details are as follows: Instead of making 30,000 Volts in the U.S. in 2012, GM will now make 45,000. These numbers are lower than production numbers we heard rumors of in years past, but they’re good news for fans of plug-in vehicles. Is the increase a response to positive reaction to the Volt’s $33,500 after-tax-rebate price tag? Maybe, GM said in a statement that, “In the past few weeks, more than 25,000 people have joined the Chevrolet Volt enthusiast list.”

The news is good for the President, too, since the White House is pushing The American Auto Industry: A Comeback Story message this week. Part of that is an interactive version of the White House map showing places where the government has supported automakers, which you can find here.

Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Volt

[Sources: General Motors, WhiteHouse.gov]

Continue reading GM will increase Volt production by 50% – to 45,000 units – in 2012

GM will increase Volt production by 50% – to 45,000 units – in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: 2012 Porsche Cayman Clubsport headed for LA Auto Show

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Porsche, Rumormill

2010 Porsche Cayman S – Click above for high-res image gallery

According to Porsche enthusiast site Planet-9.com, a hardcore version of the Cayman, dubbed CS or Clubsport, will be shown at this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show in December. This isn’t the first time we’ve heard rumblings of a lighter, more powerful Cayman, but now that Porsche has successfully launched the Boxster Spyder, it’s only fitting that the same sort of package be offered on its harder-core hardtop sister.

Expect the Clubsport to produce around 333 horsepower from its 3.4-liter flat-six, an increase of 13 hp over the Cayman S. From there, lightweight 19-inch wheels will be standard, as will fabric door pulls, aluminum body components and a slightly revised front fascia that we’ve seen on the Boxster Spyder. Obviously, the real goal with a Clubsport model is lightness, and Planet-9 reports that the CS should be about 162 to 184 pounds lighter than the stock Cayman S.

If the LA Auto Show reveal stands true, the Cayman CS should be hitting the road sometime in 2011 as a 2012 model, priced from around $66,300. Fingers crossed, everyone.

Gallery: 2010 Porsche Cayman S

[Source: Planet-9]

Rumormill: 2012 Porsche Cayman Clubsport headed for LA Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Refreshed 2012 Bentley Continental GT gets ready for Paris

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Bentley, Luxury

There’s no denying the Bentley Continental line is due for an update. In the ultra competitive world of ultra luxurious automobiles, the sportiest of Bentley’s top-shelf automobiles is, shall we say, aging gracefully, and all the while new competitors are keen to take a crack at the drive-for-yourself luxury thrown.

In order to keep the Continental GT looking fresh, Bentley is readying a slightly facelifted 2012 model for the upcoming Paris Motor Show. Judging from these spy photos snagged by Auto Express, the changes will be subtle but fairly comprehensive, focusing mainly on the front and rear fascias and perhaps a bit more power from the W12 lurking underhood.

As ever, the grille is the main focal point up front, and it will now be flanked by a swankier set of quad headlamps. Bumpers are revised front and rear, and the taillamps appear to be downsized and elongated sideways. As we said before, subtle but effective. Stay tuned, we’ll be sure to bring you live shots of this and everything else that’s fit to see from the City of Light come October.

[Source: Auto Express]

Spy Shots: Refreshed 2012 Bentley Continental GT gets ready for Paris originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Jul 2010 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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