Pagani, Mercedes say V12 bound for C9 isn’t shared

Filed under: Mercedes-Benz

Pagani C9 spy pics – Click above for high-res image gallery

For reasons unclear, Mercedes and Pagani both felt the need to quash increasing speculation that the V12 in the coming Pagani C9 has anything to do with the V12 in the SL65 AMG Black Series. AMG is developing the motor for Pagani’s next supercar, and Road & Track and Autocar had both said the Pagani engine was an evolution of a mill from Mercedes.

The twin-turbo V12 in the Black Series was rated at 670 horsepower and 730 pound-feet – itself a massaged and tuned version of the motor in the standard SL65 AMG. The joint statement to refute said, however, that “The engine of the Pagani C9 is not a derivative of the AMG V12 engine developed for the SL65 Black Series, nor is the AMG V12 engine in the SL65 Black Series derived from the engine AMG is currently developing for the Pagani C9.” That about says it all, no?

Gallery: Pagani C9 high-altitude testing spy shots

[Source: AutoWeek | Images: CarPix]]

Pagani, Mercedes say V12 bound for C9 isn’t shared originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Nov 2010 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: New details on next Mercedes B-Class leak out… is it U.S. bound?

Filed under: Europe, Technology, Hatchback, Mercedes-Benz, Rumormill

Mercedes-Benz B-Class

Mercedes-Benz B-Class – Click above for high-res image gallery

A few details have surfaced surrounding the upcoming new Mercedes-Benz B-Class. According to Autocar, the Silver Arrow is cooking up something special for the hatchback’s platform. In addition to being able to build the tall-roof B-Class on the new bones, the MFA structure will also serve as host for a sleeker Audi A3-style creation. Sharing chassis points between models is nothing new, but Autocar sites Jorg Prigl, the head of development for the A-Class, B-Class and Smart, as saying that it’s the architecture’s versatility that makes it noteworthy. In addition to being built to house a number of internal-combustion powerplants, Prigl says that the MFA platform is also made to accommodate any number of alternative power solutions.

That includes space for a battery pack, a fuel cell, hydrogen or compressed natural gas tanks. From the sounds of things, Mercedes-Benz is planning to make the new B-Class as light on its feet as possible when it comes to alternative energy drivetrains.

Autocar says that the platform is so unique that Mercedes-Benz is seeking to patent the design. That patent may be unveiled as soon as late January of 2011. Sadly, there is no additional word on whether the B-Class will make it to U.S. dealers, but last we heard, the model will make it to our market along with a companion crossover.

Gallery: 2009 Mercedes-Benz B-Class

[Source: Autocar]

Rumormill: New details on next Mercedes B-Class leak out… is it U.S. bound? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Oct 2010 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford unhinges rest of its Explorer-filled, SEMA-bound toybox

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Ford, Design/Style

Galpin Auto Sports Explorer – Click above for high-res image gallery of Ford customs to debut at SEMA

SEMA 2010 is just around the corner and Ford has supplied a number of vehicles to various aftermarket tuning companies ahead of the festivities. The 2011 Ford Explorer is just one of the vehicles receiving the tuner treatment, but it’s getting a lot of attention. Ford has supplied three of them to different companies, to create three different styles: Urban, Luxury and Adventure.

The Urban style was handled by Funkmaster Flex and the Team Baurtwell shop. The crew from GAS, or Galpin Auto Sports, turned its Explorer into a high-end machine for Luxury. CGS Motorsports handled Adventure and added lifestyle touches to the ‘ute while still providing an upscale, custom feel.

Other vehicles wearing a Blue Oval at SEMA include;

  • 2011 Lincoln MKX by ID Agency
  • 2011 Ford Taurus SHO by Rick Bottom Designs
  • 2011 Ford Taurus SHO by H&R Springs
  • 2011 Ford Edge by K-Daddy Kustomz
  • 2011 Ford Fusion Sport by Steeda Autosports

You can view each vehicle in the gallery below, and a full press release is available after the jump.

Gallery: Ford’s lineup for SEMA 2010

CGS Motorsports ExplorerFunkmaster Flex ExplorerFord Edge by K-Daddyz KustomzFord Fusion Sport by Steeda AutosportsGalpin Ford Explorer

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford unhinges rest of its Explorer-filled, SEMA-bound toybox

Ford unhinges rest of its Explorer-filled, SEMA-bound toybox originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Oct 2010 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aston Martin sketches out Le Mans-bound 2011 LMP1 racer

Filed under: Motorsports, Aston Martin, Racing

2011 Aston Martin LMP1 car

Aston Martin’s 2011 LMP1 challenger for the 24 Hours of Le Mans – Click above to enlarge image

The Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), which oversees various Le Mans series in Europe and elsewhere, laid out a number of changes to the 2011 LMP1-class cars, aiming to equalize performance between diesel- and gasoline-engined cars. Sniffing a chance to not only steal some thunder, but perhaps beat Audi and Peugeot over the head with it, Aston Martin plans a brand-new LMP1 entrant for 2011 to go for overall Le Mans victory.

An open cockpit, monococque single-seater with a new engine, it would be the first racing Aston developed entirely in-house in fifty years. The biggest X factor is whether, and how much, the regulations will actually work to close the diesel/gas disparity. If it’s close, Aston Martin Chairman Dave Richards believes his company is in with a shout. Follow the jump for the press release.

Gallery: Aston Martin’s 2011 Le Mans LMP1 challenger

[Source: Aston Martin]

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Aston Martin sketches out Le Mans-bound 2011 LMP1 racer originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 12 Sep 2010 18:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan teases Paris-bound Townpod EV concept

Filed under: Concept Cars, Paris Motor Show, Nissan, Design/Style, Electric

Nissan Townpod EV concept

As the Paris Motor Show draws closer, automakers are sending out the usual raft of teaser shots. The pictures never reveal much but they definitely get people talking. The image you see above? It’s a glimpse at the zero-emissions, electric concept vehicle called the Nissan Townpod EV.

Nissan has this to say about the Townpod:

It is designed to offer zero-emissions mobility to a future generation of home-based, innovative entrepreneurs who are creative and tech-savvy. It is more than just a car and it’s more than just a van – it heralds a new-era of flexible, stylish vehicles that will bring electric-vehicle mobility to the masses.

So, is it an electric city-car for the techie on the go? Will the Townpod EV be a mobile blogging lair for those both green and lazy? Honestly, we have no clue. It’s not easy to figure out what something looks like from an image that resembles the eye of an Autobot. For now, we’ll just have to let our imaginations run wild.

We do love staring at concept vehicles until our contact lenses dry out, and the Nissan Townpod EV is sure to be no exception. Stay tuned for updates from the Paris Motor Show, and hit the jump to read Nissan’s official press release.

[Source: Nissan]

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Nissan teases Paris-bound Townpod EV concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Sep 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: ‘Ring-bound Aston Martin One-77 begs the question – Who is Dirty Shirley?

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Aston Martin

Dirty Shirley Aston Martin One-77

“Dirty Shirley” Aston Martin One-77 spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

If you’re thinking, “This car looks familiar,” it’s because we’ve seen it before. The Aston Martin One-77 continues to tease us with its beauty, power and exclusivity, and our spies have caught the bronze test car out on the Nürburgring once again. This time, though, One-77 isn’t its only name.

Whoever Dirty Shirley is, she should be honored to know that her name has been given to Aston’s super-rare One-77. Even so, if this name is just Aston’s way of getting closer to its prototypes, so be it, because honestly, we can’t think of a more appropriate name.

For the sake of drooling, we’ll remind you yet again that only 77 of these darlings will be made, packing a lordly 7.3-liter V12 good for over 700 horsepower. Top speed is somewhere north of 220 miles per hour, and the whole thing retails for a lofty $1.8 million. Stay dirty, Shirley.

Gallery: Dirty Shirley Aston Martin One-77

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: ‘Ring-bound Aston Martin One-77 begs the question – Who is Dirty Shirley? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 20:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Suzuki releases official details on 200-mph Bonneville-bound Kizashi

Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Suzuki, Specialty

Why does a Suzuki Kizashi need a parachute? Click above to watch the videos after the jump

We’d heard it from the gearheads over at Road & Track, and now it’s been officially confirmed by Suzuki. A brand new Kizashi sedan will make the trek out to the Bonneville Salt Flats in an effort to set a new world speed record.

Suzuki hopes its highly modified Kizashi, piloted by R&T’s Sam Mitani, will be able to attain speeds of over 200 miles per hour. To hit that kind of velocity, a massive Turbonetics turbocharger will pump up to 20 psi of boost into the flowed cylinder head. An air-to-water intercooler will keep that massive rush of oxygen nice and cool while a methanol/water injection system will ward off any untoward detonation.

Naturally, safety is a concern. To that end, this Kizashi has been equipped with a full roll cage, seam-welded steel wheels and special rubber from Goodyear. Good thing, since there’s going to be 900 horsepower funneled to the ground. Oh, and let’s not forget the parachute as seen above. Check out the official press release after the jump, which is also where you’ll find the four latest videos from the boys at R&T.

[Source: Suzuki, Road & Track]

Continue reading Suzuki releases official details on 200-mph Bonneville-bound Kizashi

Suzuki releases official details on 200-mph Bonneville-bound Kizashi originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Aug 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: New Land Rover 4.4L diesel not U.S.-bound, but next one probably will be

Filed under: SUV, Land Rover, Diesel

2011 Land Rover Range Rover – Click above for high-res image gallery

It really is too bad, at least for us Americans, that U.S. and European emission standards aren’t in sync. The misaligned standards prevent many automakers from offering us Yanks the latest and greatest in fuel efficient diesel engines already available overseas. The disappointing trend continues with the 2011 Range Rover, as Land Rover rather predictably tuned its new oil burning 4.4-liter V8 for Euro-only duty.

But while we won’t be able to experience a diesel Land Rover that can hit 30 miles per gallon in the European combined cycle, Autocar reports that the next generation of the engine will in fact be ready for U.S. duty. Insiders at the Tata Motors-owned automaker reportedly told the UK site that the next-gen diesel will “very likely to come to the U.S.” Our friends overseas are just now getting their hands on the first 4.4-liter diesel Range Rovers, so the next diesel isn’t likely to surface until 2014 or 2015.

Gallery: 2011 Land Rover Range Rover

[Source: Autocar]

Report: New Land Rover 4.4L diesel not U.S.-bound, but next one probably will be originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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